The vessel was marred in the hands of the potter

One of the many pictures the Bible gives of our relationship with God, is that He is the Potter, and we are the clay. As the master potter, He has plans, destiny and a purpose for us. It is His intention to make something beautiful out of our lives. What would happen sometimes, as the potter was seeking to fashion a vase for example, is that the clay would become resistant (perhaps a hard lump) causing the vessel he was trying to make, to be ruined. We too can become resistant, going our own way, doing our own thing, refusing to cooperate with Him as He seeks to fashion our destiny. In this picture of the Potter and the clay from Jeremiah 18:1-4, we learn that after the vessel was marred in the potter’s hand, the Potter made it into another vessel as it seemed good to him.

I don’t know if you have ever come to the place where you think you might have completely and totally blown it, in terms of the plans that God has for you. By the way these plans are always good plans, plans to prosper us and to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). But the Lord asks rhetorically “Can I not do with you as this potter?” And just as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are we in His hand (verses 5, 6). The point is that as long as we still have breath, it is never too late. A line from a song comes to mind “ruined lives are why you died on Calvary.” The song goes on to testify “you have given life to me.” The whole picture of the new birth (John 3:3), is about new beginnings, about His willingness to reframe our destiny when we come to Him in total surrender.

I don’t know why so many of us only seem to find our way back to Him through the consequences of our rebellion. But I’m grateful this morning for the curse. In what I believe is the correct translation, the NKJV tells us that God cursed to the earth for our sake (Genesis 3:17). In particular, we now reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). And then in the reaping, in the dawning realization that the Potter knows best, we would return to Him, the Shepherd of our souls, the One who loves us, the One who knows what will fulfill us, the One who brings life in all its fullness. Some scorn this “get out of jail free card,” as licensed to do exactly what we want. But in the blurb from AA “Half measures profited us nothing.” In the words of Jesus “Repent lest a worst thing happen to you” (John 5:14). In particular when we return to our old ways, there seem to be exponential growth in our reaping what we sow!

Father, in view of spiritual realities You ask us in Your Word “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11). In particular, a lukewarm response it is totally inappropriate. But we need Your help Father to not be like the dog that returns to its vomit. I want to thank You this morning Father, that it's not all up to us, but that You are a very present help in times of need. Thank You that You are the Potter, we are the clay, and that even after we have totally messed up You don’t discard us, but give us a new Hope, a new destiny and a new purpose. And I give You all the glory and praise again this morning Lord, in Jesus Name Amen