Jeremiah 19 - Lesson in Pottery

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

Jeremiah 10 - Art and Gambling: Sins?

Art is art. We are to ensure that we do not worship it.... There is only one God. We are to fear and love Him above all things.

Hear what the Lord says to you, people of Israel. This is what the Lord says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations
    or be terrified by signs in the heavens,
    though the nations are terrified by them.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
    they cut a tree out of the forest,
    and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
They adorn it with silver and gold;
    they fasten it with hammer and nails
    so it will not totter.
Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
    their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
    because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them;
    they can do no harm
    nor can they do any good.”

No one is like you, Lord;
    you are great,
    and your name is mighty in power.
Who should not fear you,
    King of the nations?
    This is your due.
Among all the wise leaders of the nations
    and in all their kingdoms,    there is no one like you." (Jer 10:1-7)

 

On my front step is a carved bear holding a welcome sign. Is this a false god or art? I propose that it is merely an art form. I do not worship it. I just happen to like black bears so my son gave it to me as a gift. This piece of art does not, in any way, come before my worship of God or of doing His will. It is not a false god. Idolatry (sin) comes into play when the objects of our affections damage the relationship we have with God and with others whom He has called us to love and serve.

 

Likewise, yesterday, the subject of gambling came up. It was suggested very strongly that any gambling is a sin. The problem with that is that most of us gamble quite often. Whenever we buy insurance we are actually betting against ourselves. We are betting that something bad is going to happen and we're going to need the insurance companies to bail us out. When we invest in stock; we are betting that the stock will go up and we will have enough to retire on when we are no longer are able to work to provide for our needs. I do not see gambling, in itself, as the sin. It becomes a sin when it begins to interfere with our relationship with God and with others. It becomes a sin when the love of money causes us to pursue this means of gain to the detriment of ourselves and our families. It becomes a sin, when every penny we have is invested in the hope of "luck" rather than the hope founded in Jesus the Christ. It becomes a sin, when our families do without necessities (even losing our homes) because we are trusting that "good fortune" will come to us by spending our days and nights in the casino. It becomes a sin when every penny left over goes to our gambling habits and there is none left for the work of the LORD. It becomes a sin when our neighbors are hungry and we have enough to share with them; but, we'd rather spend it gambling.

 

Like eating, or drinking, or many other activities, I am not convinced that gambling is a sin (though I prefer not to indulge in it, myself, as I cannot imagine trusting a slot machine to provide for me as my Father does and why would I invest the gifts He has given me to chance? I believe He would prefer I invest in His Kingdom - His people). It becomes a sin when we trust in luck (idolatry) to win unearned riches that we desire (idolatry). It becomes a sin when it becomes a priority over worshipping God and over loving and caring for our family, neighbors and friends. 

 

Jeremiah warns against idolatry, as do all the prophets. There is only one God. We should so fear, love, and trust Him above all others. There is none like Him.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J