Jeremiah 18:1-11
I occasionally have the opportunity to observe someone making a vase or some other vessel out of clay. I find fascinating the care with which the person molds the clay. The potter or crafts-person is seldom pleased with the initial article and reworks the clay until satisfied.
In the parable of the potter Jeremiah sees God taking similar care in molding the people of Judah .The parable depicts God’s patient and persistent love for the people. God wants them to be different people. “Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings. “We witness God’s love through the disciplining of the people; God eventually brings them out of exile to the promised land. Even when the people stray from the path, God continues to love them . God will continue to mold the nation.
While made in the image of God, we are not always God like people. Sin creeps in, making us less than the people God wants us to be. When that happens we are not true and whole vessels, but the Creator will continue to work with us. The potter’s hands do not let loose the clay.
As we yield ourselves, God molds us. At times we may have sought our own way; followed our own plans in life rather than God’ way, like the Israelite’s of old. But as we cooperate with God m the molding process, our future can change. We become useful vessels in God’s work
PRAYER:
Lord of life, mold me into the person you would have me be, and may I cooperate with you in the molding process. Amen.
