Focus

Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today.

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Read

Jeremiah 18:1-11

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.

Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.

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Reflect

The Potter and the clay, a very well known passage, can still be very perplexing for some. If you have ever tried to raise a pot on a wheel, it can be a very daunting task. I have a very broad skill set but, this particular skill was not a part of that. However, I have started a project, fixed things that I broke in the process, and then completed it to my satisfaction. Sometimes, it takes a steady hand, with the correct pressure, or things will go awry. Other times it can take persistence, or stubbornness, as my wife calls it to get the job complete.

In today’s passage, we hear about the people of Israel not following God’s commands and the offer of His mercy if they come in line. That sweet mercy is our only way to be in the presence of God. He rewards us with his blessing if we are malleable to His guidance as the clay is to the potter. I know when I successfully finish a project how happy I feel. Imagine how God feels about us? Are you malleable in God’s hand?

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Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for your grace that you show us everyday. We know at times it must take persistence to make us malleable like the clay in the potter’s hand to your satisfaction. We strive to be a good example to bring more into the kingdom, to bring more glory to you, as you are worthy, in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Go with God!