Restored Vessels

Ezra 6:5

And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.

Darius is one of the great spiritual leaders of Babylon. Whether he was saved or not, we do not know, but one thing we do know is that God used him as a great tool to restore the temple and to save the life of Daniel.

Israel had been in captivity for decades. The temple was in ruins, and the golden and silver vessels that were once used in the temple now sit in the king’s treasury. As the decree to restore the temple had been made, Darius also commanded that the golden and silver vessels be restored and brought back to the temple where they belonged.

This is an encouraging truth for those who have messed up their life in sin. The word that grabs my attention is the word vessels. Every fallen believer is still a vessel of God that He wants to use and can use again if they will be restored and others are willing to use them. Never forget that those who have fallen are still God’s children. Yes, they have done something that marred their usefulness, but they are still a vessel of God that He is able to restore and use again. There are several things these vessels must accept if we are to restore them.

First, you can never go back to where you were. One thing that keeps people from being restored is they can't get over the fact of what they used to do. Certainly, they were a golden and silver vessel at one time, but they have done something that caused them not to be used in their original condition. You must move on from what you used to be to accept where you are if you are to be restored.

Second, you cannot undo your past. These vessels were taken to Babylon, and that would never change. Though you have done something wrong, you are still God’s vessel that He wants to use. You can live a life sitting and mourning your past sin, or you can get up and do something with your life now. To sit and wallow in your past sin will never help you to be restored so God can use you again.

Third, God still has a purpose where He can use you. I love the phrase that these vessels were to be brought again unto the temple. God is never done using you no matter what you have done. The omnipotence of God is capable of using a restored vessel. Never let the critics determine your future; let God be God in your life and allow Him to restore you into a vessel that can be used in His church.

Fourth, you will never be restored until you get back to serving. These vessels were brought back to be used in the service of the temple, and you must realize that you will never be restored until you start serving again. The full process of restoration is for service. Therefore, get involved in some ministry, for it is in service that God restores you.

Fifth, whatever you do, keep your walk with God. Likely, the reason you messed up is because you lost your walk with God; therefore, the best way to be restored is to keep a close walk with God in the Scriptures and prayer, stay faithful to every church, and soul winning, and you will find God will use you as a great vessel in His church.