They Returned with Their Vessels Empty

“And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, and found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.” —Jeremiah 14:3

These kids were sent to the place of waters only to return with their vessels empty. It was obviously embarrassing for them to return with no water, but at least they had an excuse. There had been a dearth in the land, and there was just no water available.

As God’s children, we have no excuse when it comes to filling our vessel with water. His Word and Spirit provide an abundant supply that can refresh our soul and cleanse our lives. The tragedy is every Sunday in America people will go to church and return with their vessels empty because they attended somewhere that didn’t teach the Bible. In some cases, they attended where the Bible was taught, but they were not paying attention, and, therefore, returned with their vessels empty.

High School kids across America will go to college only to return with their vessels empty because many colleges are more conducive to learning to party than getting an education.

America is filled with “Christians” who are empty vessels. May God help us! There is no way we can help others spiritually if we don’t know how to help ourselves. When flying, the flight attendant always instructs you to put your safety gear on yourself first then help the person next to you.

Next time you read your Bible and spend time in prayer, don’t come away with an empty vessel. If you do, it’s because you weren’t trying to get filled. Bring some water back to share with others and experience the joy of having a vessel filled with the living water.

Read: Colossians 3