More potter and clay jar examples from Jeremiah this morning. Jeremiah is instructed to purchase a clay jar from a potter and then break the clay jar in the sight of the people, saying, "This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired." (Jer 19:11 NIV) This visual prophecy is God's warning to the people for worshipping false gods. This seems to be the theme of the whole book of Jeremiah. The people will go into exile. The nation will be destroyed for not listening to the word of the LORD and following in His Way.
But, here's the thing... Even as I read today's chapter, I remembered God's promises and I remembered His power. He is able (and will) to, even after something has been totally decimated, restore it and raise it back up. I was thinking of other stories from the old testament. Stories like: God creating all things from nothing; God creating humankind from the dirt (I presume mud after the waters had been pulled back from the land); Jonah being spit out after being swallowed by a large fish, and the vision of Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones. And... stories from the New Testament; most notably raising Lazarus from the dead and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ; and don't forget the restoration (reconciliation) of Saul through his encounter with the ascended Jesus on the road. God can restore even those whose lives have been shattered like clay jars.
God can restore anything! Big and small! He creates and He re-creates! He is the ultimate artist! He is the ultimate potter! I was between things yesterday and had a few minutes to spare so I stopped in at the Keweenaw Cairne, the gift and novelty shop in town owned by members of Zion, Derrick and Brenda Hoffman. My granddaughter is being home-schooled and we have been trying to figure out what we can do for an extra art credit this year, one that is more structured than her dad or I can provide. While at the Keweenaw Cairne, I noticed a sign on the counter. They are purchasing the pottery business in town and are hoping to hold classes this fall at the Keweenaw Cairne. So, I'm thinking, the art class answer is solved! (Hopefully!) Not only are they gifted people, they are wonderful examples of people of faith, of children of the LORD. Just maybe they are gifted because, as children of the LORD, they use the gifts He gives them for the good...
God provides for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. Often, the answer to where we are going or what we should be doing is right before our eyes. Listen and allow the LORD to remake and reshape you into all that He intends for you to be - His child...
God's Peace - Pr. J
But, here's the thing... Even as I read today's chapter, I remembered God's promises and I remembered His power. He is able (and will) to, even after something has been totally decimated, restore it and raise it back up. I was thinking of other stories from the old testament. Stories like: God creating all things from nothing; God creating humankind from the dirt (I presume mud after the waters had been pulled back from the land); Jonah being spit out after being swallowed by a large fish, and the vision of Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones. And... stories from the New Testament; most notably raising Lazarus from the dead and the resurrection of Jesus the Christ; and don't forget the restoration (reconciliation) of Saul through his encounter with the ascended Jesus on the road. God can restore even those whose lives have been shattered like clay jars.
God can restore anything! Big and small! He creates and He re-creates! He is the ultimate artist! He is the ultimate potter! I was between things yesterday and had a few minutes to spare so I stopped in at the Keweenaw Cairne, the gift and novelty shop in town owned by members of Zion, Derrick and Brenda Hoffman. My granddaughter is being home-schooled and we have been trying to figure out what we can do for an extra art credit this year, one that is more structured than her dad or I can provide. While at the Keweenaw Cairne, I noticed a sign on the counter. They are purchasing the pottery business in town and are hoping to hold classes this fall at the Keweenaw Cairne. So, I'm thinking, the art class answer is solved! (Hopefully!) Not only are they gifted people, they are wonderful examples of people of faith, of children of the LORD. Just maybe they are gifted because, as children of the LORD, they use the gifts He gives them for the good...
God provides for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. Often, the answer to where we are going or what we should be doing is right before our eyes. Listen and allow the LORD to remake and reshape you into all that He intends for you to be - His child...
God's Peace - Pr. J
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