PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Jeremiah 17-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” (Jeremiah 18:6)
Jeremiah is expressing anger on behalf of God because of their religious immorality.
For example, the sabbath, meant to relieve workers and slaves, was being ignored.
They engaged in sacred prostitution with local gods, also with their children (17:2).
Israel’s God (unlike other gods) controls the universe as its Creator.
Humans are free agents, made to be partners with God, but God is still in charge.
Like a potter with clay, God can still direct and alter our human actions.
“I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.” (18:10)
God does not willingly discard an ill-formed pot, but sometimes there’s no choice.
If God restarts a pot, it is because that pot was not healthy, helpful or good.
In the case of Jesus, God made him a beautiful pot, yet discarded him.
Jesus becomes “marred in his hands” (18:4) because of what humans did.
Yet God “formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” (18:4)
The resurrection of Jesus is the Potter taking charge to reclaim the clay mess.
We are the clay mess, God the redeeming Potter, doing what needs to be done to save us.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for joining us in our marred mess to remake us and help us experience the good God intended for us.
The image of a potter shaping the clay – the potter determines the shape and the purpose – whether a bowl, jug or a plate or ornamental decorative shapes. God is my potter – he shapes me, I don’t shape myself – even though I might try. Lord continue to shape me – prod me, guide me by your spirit to more like you Jesus. Help me to listen and not deny the messenger – to shoot the messenger – but rather to listen and allow you to redirect me Lord!
Lord I am reminded to lean on your strength and keep my confidence in you, so that you might root me like a tree by the waters!
Thank you for not leaving our side! Today we remember how your son suffered and died for us, even though we didn’t deserve any of that grace either.
Once again the people did what was right in their own eyes forgetting the way of the Lord. Being a Jesus follower, His disciple, means His way is the only way to live. As He promised, those who live according to His way/law/word He will not inflict disaster upon them/us. Listen to Him and obey His Word. That’s really living for Jesus who died and rose from the grave so that I can live for Him.
1 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter,
I am the clay.
Mold me and make me
after thy will,
while I am waiting,
yielded and still.
2 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Search me and try me,
Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord,
wash me just now,
as in thy presence
humbly I bow.
3 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary,
help me I pray!
Power, all power,
surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me,
Savior divine!
4 Have thine own way, Lord!
Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me!