Scripture: 

This is the word the Lord spoke  to Jeremiah:

“Go down to the potter’s house, and I will give you my message there”.

So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working on a potter’s wheel. He was using his hands to make a pot from clay, but something went wrong with it. So he used that clay,  to make another pot the way he wanted it to be. Then the Lord spoke his word to me: “Family of Israel, can’t I do the same thing with you?” says the Lord. ” You are in my hands like the clay in the potter’s hands.

Jeremiah 18: 1-7. New Century Version (NCV)

Reflection:

This month verse is taken from the Old Testament within the Bible and focuses on Jeremiah, who was a prophet of his time and   was somebody who was called by God to speak out to the people of Judah and the kings of the day over how they were living against the laws of God, and the nation was becoming reluctant to turn back to God, part of Jeremiah task was to highlight to the nation  the dangers of such behaviour. Jeremiah was direct and challenged the people to return to God and not indulge in selfish desires. This task must have been hard for Jeremiah where he was receiving resistance and unpleasantness from the “crowd” the people he was trying to convince.

 

I am sure we can think of situations, at work ( I certainly can), at home with a partner, spouse, boyfriend, or in a setting with friends where you see something which is occurring which was wrong and may put the individuals in even more danger. It takes courage to stand up and point it out! and can leave you being literally isolated over speaking out over what you see as wrong or an injustice. Nevertheless, it is important to challenge and pointing out to those who are carrying out the behaviour in a manner where you are speaking on the issues but stating your points in love and not losing your own temper. In other words, you are not insulting the individual but you challenging to reconsider their position or behaviour. Not easy! but you are not alone, and  I can share from my own experience, the right words did come during the situation where I had challenged an injustice.

 

I can truly admire Jeremiah for having the courage of taking a stand and speaking out.  What’s amazing also was that he was given assistance through God! knowing that God’s got your back is so so reassuring.

 

How God used the example of the Potter and clay to illustrate to Jeremiah how he can shape and remould a whole nation is amazing. This means that he can re-mould  YOU! that’s right you and me no matter how many bumps or scratches are contained in the clay of our lives ( I love using metaphors )God is willing and able to shape us and use us positively into vessels if we draw close to him. I am not saying it is ever easy but making that first step into his hands can start the process.

 

 

What was also interesting from this month’s scripture was how God took Jeremiah “down to the Potters house” to help him get fresh understanding and encouragement and to talk to him. Sometimes  God can come down into our  Individual circumstances to speak to us and show us something new. Just something  I noticed when I  read the verse again.

 

 

I encourage you to read through to the end of this  chapter as it outlines how God would bless the people of Judah and how he would also take blessings away from them over them not  changing their ways. Its  a fascinating  account. Jeremiah  Chapter 18

 

Prayer:

Thank Father God, my Creator, I bless your Holy name, I thank you for providing me with guidance in seeking your word and hope that the passage this month will encourage us all to seek more of you and to provide help to those who do not yet know you fully. I  am grateful that your hands which both protect us from dangers, seen and unseen and which shape and mould us to ultimately become your vessels. Where you receive the glory in transforming us into our true potential. Help us not to become hardened like clay to your message and direction. I pray Lord that you soften our hearts and make us be willing to be to moulded and shaped.

 

Help us submit to your covering as this protects us, heals us and ultimately strengthens, and will equip us to become free vessels to serve you truly!.

 

I bless your name and give you all the Honour and  Glory  Amen.