Broken

It was a surprise to all. Nobody knew she had the jar with her. If anyone had noticed, they would never have guessed what she was going to do.   Most never even noticed the girl until she broke the alabaster box.  But then everybody knew.  The whole house was filled with the fragrance, and everybody knew what had been inside the box; it could not be hidden. That is the power of the broken vessel! And we have all seen it happen.

Some people share, and they are polished, clear and contained. We are impressed by their gift, but we know little of their life. But others admit to being nervous; they tell a story of pain and share their struggles.  Somehow, their honesty opens everyone’s hearts. We may not remember their polished gift, but we’ll never forget the feeling of awe as the grace and fragrance of Jesus filled the room.  It happens every time someone steps out and takes a risk for Christ.  Maybe an initial attempt at prophesying or a song. Perhaps it was going over to pray for a new neighbour, or stopping to help someone in trouble when you’re busy. It's breaking your vessel and releasing the fragrance.  And they notice!

Paul said it like this, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are ..  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.   2Co 4:7 -10.   Paraphrased:  " The powerful life of Jesus within me will affect and bless lives if I choose to let my vessel be broken."

Friend, we don't have to risk being broken; we can stay self-contained, but no one will ever know what or "who" is inside.  Only when our vessel is broken is the fragrance of Christ fully released.  Breaking the vessel allows His Life to be seen. Go ahead and make their day.