A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

The Potter and the Clay

Isaiah 29:16

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You turn things upside down,
as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!
Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it,
“You did not make me”?
Can the pot say to the potter,
“You know nothing”?

Isaiah 29:16 NIV

There is much that happens in this world that I do not understand. Why cannot people and nations get along? Why does God allow so much suffering and evil to exist? How come evil men seem to prosper while the innocent so often are oppressed?

This verse does not answer my questions. But it does provide a needed perspective for them. Isaiah uses here the example of a potter and a lump of clay. The potter and his clay are not the same; they are entirely different in nearly every way. The potter takes the clay and shapes it into whatever he wants it to be. The resultant pot had no say in what it became or the process used to craft it.

God Is the Potter

God is that potter. And I, along with this world and all that is in it, are the lump of clay that he is fashioning. I need to be careful that I don’t think that God is like me, that I can fully understand him, or that I can judge his activities. He is far beyond my comprehension. My questions remain unanswered. But I can trust that God knows what he is doing and that he has it all under control. Regardless of what is going on in this world or my life, God is the ultimate potter, working to produce his masterpiece.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

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