Clay is the Potter’s Vocation
“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:1-6
No doctrine can afford greater comfort to a child of God; than the doctrine of God’s omnipotent sovereignty. No truth brings more joy to the heart of a believer, than to know that his (or her) father reigns in full control.
It is only by Grace that we can see and embrace these truths; and only by mercy that we can find comfort in them. We live in a culture of pride and self-confidence; so from time to time, we must “arise, and go down to the potter’s house.” There we will see God’s greatness and sovereignty as He molds vessels of honor, and vessels of dishonor, all for His own awesome glory!
God is not playing with modeling clay;
He makes no hobby of men;
He doesn’t purpose to use them one day,
Then, think it over again!
Clay, is the Potter’s vocation –
Working the stubborn clod –
Clay, is the Potter’s vocation!
Clay, is the business of God!
Clay, is the Potter’s vocation;
The vessel, the Potter’s will.
There are no risks! The spinning discs
Reveal the Potter’s skill!
He’s making a New Creation!
His Wisdom is on display!
Behold, in the molding, His Image unfolding!
He’s breathing His life in clay!
Clay, is the Potter’s vocation!
No detail, left to chance.
All things combine, toward His design
His masterpiece to enhance.
He’s making a New Creation
And where it appears most weak
The clay will discover, its infinite Lover
Has made it the most unique!
I didn’t write this poem; I found it online without any author or source.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
Zach, thanks for posting this poem and the Scripture from Jeremiah. I was reminded of Romans 9:21, “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” Also, Isaiah 64:8, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” What better illustration of the Creator-creature distinction than the Potter and clay. Man has no life, natural or spiritual, apart from God’s creative and regenerative works!
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Thanks, this is a great truth to soak our minds and hearts in! <3
September 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
How true. I liked this poem the first time I heard it but I like it even better now!
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 am
This reminds me of a comment made concerning predestination. The writer claimed that TULIP diminishes the glory of God.
It is passages like the one in Jeremiah here, which illustrate and support the fact that God’s sovereignty redounds to his glory.