In one of my appointments, I had a professional potter as a member. On one occasion, Jim offered me the gift of an afternoon to tour his studio, see his work and observe his creative process. To say I was in awe is an understatement. I do not have an artistic bone in my body or an artistic inclination in my spirit. To be honest, I have difficulty drawing recognizable stick figures. Watching Jim take a lump of clay, mold it on the wheel, shape it with delicacy and then add decorative patterns was amazing. As he then described how different paints and glazes would add further definition, my mind was blown. Ever since that experience, I have never read Jeremiah 18 the same.
During my time at Jim’s studio, he worked on several projects. In several cases, he shared with me what his intention was, and then proceeded to craft the vessel he imagined. However, there were a couple of instances when the clay did not “cooperate” and the original objective was not possible. Rather than throw the clay away, Jim continued to work with clay. With what seemed a loving touch, he delicately applied pressure and slowly something new was created. While the end product was not his original intent, it was nonetheless both functional and beautiful.
While Jeremiah 18:1-11 is a prophetic pronouncement of impending doom upon Israel, it is not shared as a forgone conclusion. The spoiled vessel mentioned in verse 4 is reworked into another, good vessel. At the end of the passage, there is the invitation to Israel to turn from their evil ways. This suggests that God (i.e., the potter) is ready and willing to bring a creative touch and a new future.
This image of a loving potter who never gives up on a lump of clay gives me hope. Whether applied to a community or to an individual life, my spirit is encouraged when I think that the God of infinite creativity and possibilities continues to mold, shape and work with the people and institutions of this world. Is this not an object lesson on the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection for all believers – there are always new beginnings and new life through God’s grace.
With the potter image in mind, when I consider who I am today, I am conscious of how past experiences have helped from my identity and skill sets. Some of these were positive and joy-filled. Others, were difficult and painful. Yet, like a potter who skillfully forms a clay vessel by the use of pressure and guidance, God has used various events to shape me.
While clay has no volition, I do. I try to be mindful of this. In all that I experience, I try to keep a humble spirit and allow God to work in the situation to continue the process of formation. In the end, I hope that I will be a vessel that seems good to my Savior.
I pray that you will find comfort and hope in this passage and image as well.
