[320 words]
In the book of Jeremiah, we get a very visual picture of us and God working in our lives. In the opening verses of chapter 18 are these words: “The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: ‘Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.’ Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?’ says the LORD. ‘Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” (v.1-6)
Jeremiah gives us an image of God as the potter and us as the clay. God works diligently to form us and transform us into useful, beautiful vessels, but sometimes things don’t work out. It’s not the potter’s fault; a flaw in the clay causes the problem. But God doesn’t wad us up into a clay ball and fling us away. Like a potter, He lovingly starts over to start shaping us again.
The process of producing a beautiful pot isn’t fast. The potter takes time, carefully crafting the clay into shape for its intended use. In the same way, when God starts over with us, we may not become instantly useful. It takes time and the skill of the Great Potter to shape us. Sooner or later, though, we’ll be useful again.
Just remember this: The God who made you can make you over. You are never hopeless. We just need to give in to Him and be patient and let Him do His work.
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY