Scripture
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.
Reflection
The tone of the language implies Israel’s resistance to the Lord’s purpose for them. This brings me to think of three possible outcomes. First, imagine what amazing initial purpose the Lord had intended for all of us. We very often deviate from that intent. Second, how willing He is to re-form, reshape and repurpose us even after our initial failing. And third, there may come a point when we’ve resisted His shaping and molding so much that we’ve become a useless piece of clay and the only good thing left to do with us is to dispose of us. Even though not all the outcomes will be positive, I find peace in knowing God the Potter is willing to take His time and continually work and sometimes rework at a person until He has shaped them into a person who reveals the hands of the Maker. God is truly gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and abounding in love. He is willing to sit at the potter’s wheel for as long as He’s squeezed every chance out of us.
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
Stop and ask God to place a nation on your mind and heart. Pray for the people to be blessed by God, the church to shine brightly and for God to be present in that place.
