Jeremiah 18

“This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Go down at once to the potter’s house; there I will reveal My words to you.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, working away at the wheel. But the jar that he was making from the clay became flawed in the potters hand, so he made it into another jar, as it seemed right for him to do.” Jeremiah 18:1-4 (HCSB)

The sight of the potter molding, marring, and remodeling his vessels of clay impressed the truth on the mind of Jeremiah that God had absolute power over the nations. If Israel disobeyed, He would punish them; if the people repented, He would restore them. Jeremiah delivered the Lord’s message.

Not only is the Lord interested in “molding” nations. He also molds us as individuals. The New Testament writer of Hebrews commented about Jesus’ ongoing work in the lives of His followers.

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (HCSB)

Some believe that God created the World, set everything into motion, and has been resting ever since. Still, others believe that God is concerned with “big” things (whatever that means) and doesn’t have time, energy, or concern with us as individuals. Today’s passage tells us that the Lord never stops working and shaping us for His service.

Furthermore, if we are rebellious and aren’t “shaping up” to His design, God isn’t against reducing us to a lump of clay. His Church is a collection of His “works of art,” so if we aren’t shaping up as individuals, the whole community suffers. This was Israel’s case. Israelite personal idolatry became collective national idolatry. Eventually, God did what all potters do when a vase isn’t taking shape: He smashed it to pieces.

“Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’”? Isaiah 19:16 (NKJV)

Perhaps your life has felt the spin of the potter’s wheel lately. It could be that He has been building you up & tearing you down, and you are feeling frustrated that He is not following your design. First, we must recognize God’s part (Potter) and ours (clay). Then, we must patiently trust the Lord to finish what He started in us.