The Parable Of The Dropped Vase

The parable is told that one Sunday, near the end of the service, the preacher asked help in moving an urn of flowers from the platform. A young man came to the front and waited for the preacher to hand him the lovely vase filled with roses. Just as he reached up, he dropped the vase, breaking it into many pieces. Embarrassed at his apparent carelessness, the young man returned to his seat.

The preacher requested that the audience stay for a few moments after the service. The preacher told the audience:

“I can replace this vase with another one just as beautiful, but there are some sacred and holy things which can never be restored. For weeks, many of us have worked and prayed for a certain young man to attend our morning worship service. Last Sunday morning, he came and sat behind a member of our congregation who whispered and laughed all during the service. The young man vowed that he would never come again to the services of our congregation, because he could plainly see that the fellowship and the message that I proclaimed meant nothing to some of the members who attended. The disturbing actions of this member shattered an opportunity in that young man’s life and destroyed something that can never be replaced.”

The parable of the dropped vase sent arrows of conviction into the hearts of many that morning, and they left the building determined not to make the same mistake again — promising to show greater reverence in their worship to the Lord.

Brethren, the worship services of the local congregation of the Lord’s people are important, because they are sacred opportunities to learn more about God’s word, and for members to personally take part in the various functions of the sacred service. Although the building itself is not holy, the Lord demands holy conduct which will cause sinners to realize the high reverence and respect saints hold for Him when they assemble there (Psalm 89:5-7; cf. Hebrews 12:9-10; Hebrews 12:18-29).

God once told Moses to take his sandals off his feet, for he was "standing on holy ground" (Exodus 3:1-6). When we approach our Heavenly Father on the Lord’s day in praise to Him, our attitude should be the same as if we were standing on holy ground, for our Father is "holy" (1 Peter 1:16; Leviticus 11:44), deserving of our utmost respect, reverence, and praise (Psalm 148; Psalm 149:1; Psalm 150:1-2).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets