"In The Hands Of The Potter."

Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we’re going to reflect on a powerful image found in Jeremiah 18:1-11—the image of the Potter and the clay. This picture beautifully illustrates how God, our Creator, lovingly shapes and molds us into His vessels for His purpose.

Let me start with a story. Imagine a master potter working diligently at his wheel. With patience and skill, he shapes a lump of clay into a beautiful vase or vessel. Sometimes, if the clay is marred or misshapen, the potter gently reshapes it, transforming it into something new and useful. This process requires humility on the part of the clay—the clay must be willing to be shaped, trusting the potter’s hands.

This analogy speaks deeply about our relationship with God. We are the clay, and God is the Master Potter. Today, let’s explore what this means for us as believers—how we can trust in God’s shaping, recognize His sovereignty, and respond with surrender.

I. The Instruction from the Lord (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

A. The Word of the Lord Comes to Jeremiah

In verse 1, the Lord commands Jeremiah, “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear my words.” God deliberately draws Jeremiah’s attention to the potter’s workshop.

B. Observation of the Pottery (vv. 3-4)

Jeremiah visits the potter’s house, and he observes the potter working on the wheel. The clay is marred in the hands of the potter, but notice what happens next: “So He made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.” The marred clay is reshaped into something new.

Illustration:

Think about a potter working skillfully on his wheel. If a vessel cracks or becomes misshapen, the potter does not discard it immediately. Instead, he gently reshapes it, transforming what was broken into something new and useful. This is a powerful image of God's grace—He can take our brokenness and remake us.

I. The Sovereignty of God (Jeremiah 18:5-6)

A. God’s Sovereign Power Over Nations and Individuals

In verses 5 and 6, God asks Jeremiah, “Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter does?” The Lord emphasizes His authority over nations and peoples. Just as the potter has the right to shape the clay as He wills, so too does God have sovereignty over our lives.

B. The Clay in the Hands of the Potter

The clay is passive—dependent on the potter’s skill and will. It cannot dictate its shape. Likewise, as God’s children, we must recognize that our lives are in His hands.

Illustration:

Imagine a piece of clay resting on the wheel. It cannot resist the potter’s hands; it must yield to be shaped. If the clay tries to resist, it becomes marred or useless. Our hearts must be open and willing to be molded by God.

III. The Purpose and Will of God (Jeremiah 18:7-10)

A. The Potter’s Intent

In verses 7-8, God declares that He may speak concerning a nation or a person, warning them to turn from evil. If they repent, God will relent from the disaster He has planned.

B. The Possibility of Reversal

This reveals that God’s plans are not fixed if we turn back to Him. Our repentance can alter His course of action. He is both just and merciful.

Application:

God desires to shape us for good and to bless us. But He also respects our free will. Our cooperation is essential in the shaping process.

IV. The Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 18:11)

A. The People’s Response

Verse 11 shows God's warning: “Now therefore, speak to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am fashioning a disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’”

B. The Urgency to Humble Ourselves

God’s message is clear: If the people do not turn from their evil ways, they will face judgment. But there is always hope—repentance can change the outcome.

Illustration:

Just as a clay vessel can be reshaped before it’s fired, our lives can be transformed if we humble ourselves and surrender to God’s hands.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, the image of the potter and the clay reminds us that our lives are in God's capable hands. No matter how marred or broken we feel, God—our loving Potter—can reshape us into vessels of honor.

It is a call to humility and surrender. We must trust in His sovereignty, cooperate with His work, and respond with repentance when needed.

Remember, the Potter’s hands are gentle yet powerful. Let us yield ourselves fully to Him, trusting that He will fashion us into what is good and pleasing in His sight.

Closing Prayer