Sunday Worship - 27.09.2020

'Potter and the Clay!'

by Deacon Crimson

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First Reading: - Jeremiah 18: 1 - 10

Second Reading: - 2 Timothy 2: 19 - 21

Gospel Reading: - John 10: 27 - 29

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Jeremiah 18: 4

But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

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Dear Brethren:

Greetings to you in the most comforting name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our meditation focuses on God's special care for His children. God designs and shapes us according to his special plan for each one of us.

Once a famous preacher said, "If you want to make the Lord laugh, just list our your future plans to him".

This does not mean that we should not plan anything for the future, but a plan without the Lord's consent in just a vanity before him.

Potter and Clay

God made Adam from the dust of the earth (Gen2:7) but in His own image (Gen 1:27). In many instances in the Bible, God has used the symbolism of 'Potter and clay' to depict his work on his people.

Watch the potter at work- The potter takes time and pain to prepare the clay. It goes through a purification process of moistening, kneading and wedging; and, inspected for plasticity and malleability. Now, the raw material is ready for the master's hands.

The unformed clay is rotated in space and time, under his watchful hands. It transforms into a predetermined form of usability, designed within the master's mind. At this stage, the potter, may reshape and reshape it again, envisioning its ultimate design and purpose.

In the last stage of production, the shaped pots pass through a firing and glazing process for strength and beauty. The pottery making process takes decision, time and precision.

Millennium old potteries are still found intact and usable. Some are well-placed in museums and others, yet to be discovered.

Psalm 103: 14

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

God knows we are weak and fragile. He knows very well what type of design would fit us. He knows where to place us. The pots are of different sizes and shapes and for various purposes.

God is our potter and we are the clay. We are the pots for God's glory and purpose. He know when and how to fill us.

Paul in his 'Epistle to Timothy' speaks of different types of vessels found in a house, those are metallic or mud pots, honorable or simple. But, they all have the purpose to contain something. What does our pot contain at this moment?

Pots designed for Victory

Gideon went against the Moabites with his small army of three hundred men, all carrying pots with lamps. The Lord gave him a great victory. (Judges 7: 16) The pots were not strong; but, it carried the lamp, symbolizing Holy Spirit. If we are filled by the Spirit, we shall be triumphant indeed. The pot has nothing to boast of itself, but it is the Lord who uses the pot to bring victory. We know we are empty pots; but, the Lord knows how to use us for His glorious purpose. Let our pots be opened for the Lord’s purpose to fulfill. Though the pots be filled with water, when the master looks; the waters will blush.

Psalm 116: 13

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.

Prayer

Loving Lord Heavenly Father, we thank you for making and forming us for your purpose. Even though we are weak and fragile, you can still use us towards victory. Help us, Lord, that our pots may be filled with your light and glory. Remove anything that is unwanted in our pots and fill us with your Spirit and grace. In Jesus’s Name, we pray. Amen.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.

Amen!

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