What I Learned from Pop Bottles

Back in the day, you’d get a couple of cents for a returned bottle, it was an easy way to make a little money, so I collected pop bottles.

One day, the Lord showed me those bottles were like people and collecting bottles is like sharing the Gospel or planting seeds in people’s hearts.

After I collected them I took them to a store that paid me or redeemed them. It was only a few cents, but a price had been paid, this was the Cross and salvation.

The store then returned them to their maker, Redemption. Once they were in their maker’s hands they were scrubbed and cleaned up this was Justification.

After they were cleaned up they were filled again, the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Once filled, they had a cap put on them, the seal of the Holy Spirit our guarantee of eternity with Christ.

Finally, the bottles were sent out again to fill and refresh someone else. Once emptied, they were returned to their maker to be renewed again.

Such is our Christian walk, our relationship with the Lord until the day we are called home.

Then I asked, “Father what about the chipped bottles, the broken bottles.” He answered, “Those are my favorite ones. I put them in a furnace, melt them down removing all their impurities.

Finally, I make them into the finest crystal that jewelers like Tiffany’s only wish they could sell.”

Come to me and I will give you rest — all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke — it fits perfectly — and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” MT 11:28–30