Jeremiah 18: The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord saying, "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will announce My words to you." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.
Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, "Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel."
For the past several days this passage has been on my heart. I have written about an experience I encountered during my childhood when visiting a potter's room. You may or may not recall that writing but I'll take my liberty to tell just a portion of that day. As this potter looked around at a group of young school children through his 180 degree glass enclosed view his face reflected that he was thrilled to have a captive audience of folks who he needed to really impress with his skill. He began to turn his wheel and build a beautiful piece of pottery. At just the right moment to say that his masterpiece was complete he gave a glimpse at his audience and then leaned over to give his piece a closer look while continuing to spin his wheel. He reached onto the outer edge of his piece and plucked off a small pebble that had gotten into the lump of clay. After trying for a couple minutes to finish it off like he wanted it he gave another quick glance with what seemed to me to be a smirk on his face. He then held his hand up and SPLAT, flattened that beautiful piece of work. WOW, you could have knocked me over with a feather. I was almost in tears. Then he added a little water, looked thoroughly through the pile of clay there, then decided to replace it with a new pile began to create a completely new vessel. After continuing to turn the wheel, add water here and there, and smooth out the edges while constantly looking for more pebbles of which he could find none, he ended up with a true Masterpiece that was much more beautiful than the first one. The emotions that ran through this 9 yr. little girl were almost all I could contain. Over the years the Lord has allowed me to hear countless preachers expound on the above passage. And, would you know, each time the Lord opens up a new truth from His Word from this one visual example. He has also begun to open up to me more revelation in my heart as I listen to Him through this passage.
I encourage you to read the entire chapter and ask the Lord to open your spirit to His truths contained there. I know that as the many layers have been peeled back over the years there are many more there for my heart to receive.
I pray that the Lord will meet you right at the place of your need and/or give you just the right things you need to reach out to others in their need as you allow His Holy Spirit to work through you.
In His Love and Service,
Jennie Heberg
Mt. 6:33 & Is. 55:12
