Note: Message by Elizabeth Borowski at Andrews Church of God Mother's Day May 12, 2013
Title: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Text: Isaiah 64:8
Introduction
It is amazing how God takes a simple method like making pottery and turns it into a life lesson for ourselves. This morning we are going to look at some life lessons that the Lord has taught me as I became a potter.
The Clay
But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
Strong's: From H6080; dust (as powdered or gray); hence clay earth mud: - ashes dust earth ground morter powder rubbish.
God made us from clay, dust of the earth and we will return back to dust again.
Purifying
For clay to be useable it must go through a purifying process. The air must be forced out. This takes some crushing for the cleansing process.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21
Note: If the clays does not go through the cleansing process then when it goes through the firing it will explode, destroying itself and things around it.
Centering
Clay must be centered on the potter’s wheel to be used. If clay is not centered then it will flop around.
"Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel . Jeremiah 18:2-6
God is the one who brings centering to our lives. We find this through consistent prayer and study of His word as we draw closer to Him.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.“ Revelation 1:8
Shaping
After the clay is centered then it is prepared to be shaped.
One note here is that the clay must be made on a good foundation. This foundation is what will make it stable and sure.
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:11
After the foundation is set then it is time for the molding. The Lord has been molding us for a long time.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, (16) your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 139:15-16
This is the work he is doing. Shaping us and molding us. Each pot has a different shape. It is up to the creator about what the unique shape will be.
Detailing
After the shaping the details are made. God knows what our calling and purpose is.
But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30
He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Psalms 147:4
God know what we are to be and who we need to be.
Drying and Firing
This is what makes the pottery last. Without this the clay become breakable and unusable. Firing is what bring strength to this.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
I love this scripture. God has “fearfully” – carefully and “wonderfully” – awesome made. Think about this God knows what he is doing. He knows our purpose and beauty.
Conclusion
“If you have not been set apart for Him to work on you, and through you, you want to be.”
God wants to mold us and make us. Are you willing to let God make you into what He has set you forth to be? Quit resisting the creator.
