The Potter

As one of the oldest human inventions, the practice of pottery has been around since the ancient people roamed the earth. In fact, the earliest ceramic objects have even been dated as far back as 29,000 BC! I used to have an app on my IPod touch that allowed me to shape, mold, and paint some pretty awesome ceramic objects. Throughout the process, it was satisfying seeing something go from an ugly lump of clay to a beautiful work of art.

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet delivers profound messages about the relationship between God and Israel, His chosen people. One of which is found in chapter 18 where God is described as a potter and His people as clay.

“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ² “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” ³ So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. ⁴ But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

⁵ Then the word of the Lord came to me. ⁶ He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

In the same way that the potter in this story has the control to shape the clay as it seemed best to him, God has sovereign control over His creation. He uses heavenly creativity to shape and mold His people into vessels for His purpose. Paul says in Philippians 1:6 that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Just like how a potter has a unique and specific vision for each piece, each person has been given unique gifts and have been created by God for a specific reason.

Maybe today there is something about yourself that you don’t like. Maybe it is a deficiency that you were born with or something external that you are unable to change. Maybe it is a bad habit that you have been fighting to be free from for years but when temptation comes, you go right back to it. You have blamed yourself or even God for who you are. I want to encourage you: don’t give up on yourself! Be patient because the potter can use all of our brokenness, our flaws, and our mistakes to create something amazing.

It is also important to remember that our relationship with the potter is not about perfection. As a matter of fact, those flaws that you keep trying to cover up could be the very thing that God will use to free others of their shame. The habits that you are unable to break free from could be something that someone else is struggling with and helping them could be the key to overcoming your own bondage.

The Bible commands us in Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus has dealt with our sin, guilt, and shame once and for all. He loves us far beyond anything we could ever imagine and it is proven to us when He sacrificed His very life for us. Now, our job is not behavior modification. Our job is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus each day, trust the potter, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us for His divine purpose.

The Bigger Picture: As we humbly submit ourselves to God’s purpose for our lives, He will shape and mold us into powerful vessels for His kingdom.