Like Clay in His Hand

Jeremiah 18:1–17
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Pottery making was a familiar sight throughout the ancient Holy Land. Therefore, it was quite natural for Jeremiah to use this symbol to gain a hearing for his preaching and to reinforce his message. The parable of the marred vessel (chapter 18) demonstrates God’s sovereign dealings with Judah. Jeremiah was commanded to go to the potter’s house in order to learn a lesson (vv. 1-4). The potter’s house was probably located in the potter’s field south of Jerusalem, just beyond the valley of Hinnon. God announced that the potter and the clay illustrated His relationship to His people (vv. 5-12).They were like clay in his hand. As the potter was shaping  a pot it sometimes became marred or mis-formed in his hand, but he did not throw it away. Instead, while it is still pliable, he made it into another vessel (v. 4). The symbol was very clear. God has the right to remold his people. They are like clay in his hand. God has a right to tear down or build up a nation as He pleases.

Judah refused to follow her God (vv. 13-17). Even the snow on the slopes of Lebanon and the cool waters that flow from these majestic mountains were more dependable than fickle Judah. She had turned from God to worship worthless idols (Jer. 2:5) which only caused her to stumble. By abandoning the ancient paths of obedience to God (Jer 6:16), Judah found herself on bypaths, wandering aimlessly. God would judge the nation for her sin by having her land laid waste. She would become an object of scorn and the Lord would scatter her like winds from the east.

Application

The potter had power over the clay to permit the defects to remain or reshape the pot. Just as God had the power to reshape the nation I should be willing and receptive to His remolding of my life. As I yield to Him, He begins reshaping me into His valuable vessel.