Scripture
Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
Reflection
Today’s verse speaks of the permanent relationship we have with God our Father and it’s all because of God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus.
Isaiah speaks about Israel’s sin and clearly states, it’s because of their sin that they are in exile (which is the consequence of their sin). The prophet notes God is hostile towards sin and sinners, because of his holiness, yet his relationship with Israel remains unchanged. Israel is still the chosen nation. Through alluding to the Father and children image, and the Potter and clay analogy, the prophet is affirming the permanent relationship God has with his children. There might be unfavourable changes (often because of our sinfulness) that occurs during the extent of our relationship with God, but the relationship itself cannot be erased. The potter cannot disown the pot—it is there only because he made it—nor can the artisan (your hand) disown the artefact (work). Again, this is not to shift the blame on to God for our failure, but to assert a permanent relationship—the love of the father, the sovereign decision of the potter, the skill of the craftsman.
We as God’s children can always ask to come home regardless what we have done. Our sinful actions don’t affect the permanent relationship we have with God our Father. It does have consequences, but the permanent relationship we have with God as his children remains unchanged because it’s grounded in his unchangeable character.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for unity across the churches in your area and invite the Holy Spirit to be at work.