Thread by @glprater

#GeraldsDevotional
Perfecting From Two Perspectives

This morning’s message is a view into the example that the LORD spoke through Jeremiah to the people of Judah about the Potter and the clay. In today’s verses we see the example that was illustrated. God is using a metaphor to illustrate what He is doing in and through them (the

Jews as well as us today). There are two very distinct perspectives at play here.

As the Potter, the Lord sees the clay (His people) as a very special work in progress. As a passionate artist with vision, He already sees them as a very special and priceless finished product.

But His view of that finished product is a lot more firm than a human artist. He already knows how this piece of art will shine. He saw it clearly before He even began. So with dedication and ultimate commitment, He works that clay with the water, building it up and tearing it

down always with that beautiful end in mind. The Potter doesn’t hesitate to break a sweat and get His hands dirty in this work.

But as the clay, the people have a completely different perspective. They are naturally content with remaining in their earthly condition of mere mud

on the ground. They have no recollection of their beauty and purity when they were created and they relentlessly hold on to their filthy state. They want to be left alone to be as they are and they see the efforts of the Potter (whom they refuse to see or acknowledge) as pain,

violence and tribulation. The clay’s focus is on right now and getting what it wants.

These are two very distinct views of the same events. However, as we end this devotional, consider one additional perspective… that of Jeremiah. Although part of the clay, he has been given

the gift of awareness by the Potter and he has not only received and embraced this gift, he has walked in it. Jeremiah has not seen this finished product (indeed neither him nor any of his contemporaries will see it in their lifetimes), but he believes it and walks in it every

day. He walks in it even when he is ignored, rejected or even persecuted by his own people. He does all of this because his eyes have been opened to see the now and to hope for what the Potter has told him is coming.

Jeremiah did not get to this place by simply listening to what

he heard from or about the Potter. He had to walk in it. The truth is always experienced, never simply told.

The Potter and the Clay
1 The Lord gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, 2 “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there.” 3 So I did as he told me

and found the potter working at his wheel. 4 But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over.

5 Then the Lord gave me this message: 6 “O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay?

As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand. 7 If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, 8 but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. 9 And if I announce that I will plant

and build up a certain nation or kingdom, 10 but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.

11 “Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you

instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’”

12 But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.” - Jeremiah 18:1-12

@threadreaderapp unroll