Lessons from the Potter’s House

Introduction: Romeo and Juliet is a love story with a tragic ending. Two people deeply in love being torn by fighting families. Juliet decides to fake her death with the aid of Friar Laurence. She sends a note to Romeo that he does not receive. He heres of her supposed death takes poison and dies. Juliet awakes find Romeo dead and takes her own life with his dagger. What a tragedy what a painful tragedy.

But this tragedy is nothing compared to the one before us in this text. No God does not die but His heart is broken by a people He has chosen and loves. The difference is that these people receive notice from God and refuse to take heed. Jeremiah is shown by God what Israel means to Him and how they can be restored but they reject Him. What a tragedy, what a painful tragedy. All is not lost though because there is an opportunity for those today who receive this same notice to hear God and please Him.

DT: As believers we must see God as sovereign and yield to His authority to experience His grace.

God is Sovereign (Vv. 5-10)

Jeremiah 18:5–10 (ESV)

5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.

He is creator

He is in control

He is to be feared

The alternative is disastrous

Application: Living according to your own way is disrespectful to God. Acknowledge God as the authority of your life.

God Gives Second Chances (vv. 11-12)

Jeremiah 18:11–12 (ESV)

11 Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’ 12 “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’

This was their chance to repent, but they rejected the opportunity.

They rejected God’s grace

They ignored God’s mercy

Application: Do not take God's mercy for granted. You may be riding high now, but payday is coming.