As we start 2008 I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah and the lessons that we can learn in the potter’s house. The vessel is marred in the potter’s hands and so he sees him make it again into another vessel as it seemed good to in his eyes. It was then he heard the word of the Lord . . .
Jer 18:6 “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand”
The Wheel The potter’s wheel consisted of two parallel stone or clay wheels connected by a shaft. As the potter moved the lower wheel with his bare feet, the upper wheel revolved smoothly. As we commence another year, we may be feeling just like we are on the wheel, going around and around. Remember the wheel is being controlled by our Master Potter. Isa 64:8 But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.
The Clay The potter carefully selects the material that He works with but before it is worked it needs to be prepared. Impurities are removed, coarse particles can be added, it is tossed over and over on a flat stone, kneaded, rolled and may be cut to form the right sized lump. Sometimes we need to remember that we are only clay and the potter has amazingly chosen us and is working with us in all of our circumstances to prepare us to be moulded. Job 10:9 Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay.
The Potter What skill it takes to throw a pot, and what honour is brought to the master craftsman as a result of his amazing workmanship. The skilled potter reminds us of our infinite, wise, all knowing God who is working an amazing work in you and I – to Him be the glory! Isa 29:16 “Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay”
The Vessel If we look around our home, we have all sorts of vessels, for all different purposes. From an egg cup to an ornately decorated cake plate each has been specifically designed for a purpose. Even those that fail are made it into a vessel “as it seemed good to the potter”. What is God making you into this year? Ti 2:21 If anyone cleanses himself…., he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
The Potters Hand Finally be encouraged by the word of the Lord to Jeremiah. We are in the hand of the potter – whatever this year brings, joy or sorrow or victory or defeat. He is doing a tremendous work, making known the riches of His glory on His vessels of mercy – that’s us. John 10:28-30 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” May our 2008 resolution be.
1 CommentHave thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mould me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
-Adelaide Pollard
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