Reflections: The Scriptures are clear and indisputable. We are a marred people. Throughout its pages we read many variations of what Paul wrote in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Because of this undeniable truth, we must ask ourselves, “What does this mean relative to our relationship with our Holy God?”
Our text portrays a dramatic picture of what God does to a marred people
who are called by His name.
What can we learn from such powerful imagery? There are many lessons for us, but let’s take time to mention a few. First of all, even though we are being formed with His hands, we can choose to go our own way. We can refuse the potter’s hand and resist the potter’s wheel. That is what it means to be a sinner. Secondly, even though we refuse to conform to God’s image, He does not give up on us. He will place us back into His hands and make us into another vessel.
We are disobedient; we rebel; we go our own “marred way.” But then comes a picture of God’s grace. He reforms us, and makes us into another vessel for His use because He is sovereign and long-suffering. With firm and steady hands, He puts us back onto the potter’s wheel.
I.
Questions over the biblical passage:
Jeremiah 18:1-6
1.
What were the
instructions that the Lord gave to Jeremiah? (1-2)
2.
Where was the
potter, and what was he doing? (3)
3.
What happened
to the vessel that the potter was making? (4)
4.
What did the
Lord compare to the potter’s clay? (5-6)
II.
Application:
1. What are some ways that God has molded you into who you are?
2. Have you ever intentionally flown off the Potter’s wheel?
3. Review some instances when you were thankful for God’s grace.