The Potter

Arise

English Standard Version Chapter 18

18 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: 2 “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.”

The Lord does a work in those who follow Him. I can remember early on feeling as though I was able to do all things. That feeling is real but often does not last long. Soon I began to realize that serving the Lord required that I listen: and there I will let you hear my words.” At this point I am asking the Lord, just tell me what you want. But He tells me His Grace is sufficient. Have you been there? So, I went where I was told. 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 18:3. You can begin to realize that walking with God is what He wants from us. In the journey we will find what the mission is. I remember starting the journey of school (college), as I began the journey I wondered and prayed concerning where He had called me to attend school, but nothing came to me, no answer. Then one day when I had given up concerning my call, Anderson University called me and wanted to know if I was going to attend school that fall.

English Standard Version Chapter 18

4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.

When I was in grade school I remember having to work on a potter’s wheel in art class. I remember that I was no good at it. Making something out of clay can be quite challenging. I found that my hands were not steady enough, perhaps with time I could have done better, but what I know from that experience is that for those who know what they are doing beautiful things can be created. What I know about me is that I am not perfect and perhaps even a spoiled vessel. Because of the Potter’s skillful hand I am being made new.

English Standard Version Chapter 18

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,

This is why in a time such as this we must let the Potter do His work and guide us. I believe that the world has allowed the deceiver to define the word love for those who are listening. In my journey to follow God and get my education I had to go, but as I went I studied the Word and listened. He then began to make a new vessel. We need to remember God is love. He defines love for us, if we listen. If we try to define love in our own image, what we create is spoiled clay.

English Standard Version Chapter 18

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.

You see our hope is in Him, not the world. The evil one was given dominion over the world, but those who are in the Potter’s hands are not of the world. When you follow the world you choose the world over God. This is evil. What then will happen if we do not turn from these ways? 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.’

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 18:11.

I want to add one more verse for good measure. 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.’

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Je 18:12.

Let me ask you now, who are they?

If they are evil why are you following them?