Behind the Scenes at the Potter's House
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· 12 viewsGod is the Potter ... you are the clay; submit to His intense molding and shaping as He forms of you just the right vessel for His purposes.
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Introduction
It is human nature to want to be in control. When we feel like we are in control, we have more confidence. If we feel like we are not in control…our whole world can fall apart because of our fear and anxiety.
When we realize God is in control, we can let go and trust Him to keep everything on track.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
PRAYER
Have you ever tried to dress a baby or a young toddler who didn’t want to be dressed? It is like wrestling a greased pig. Even though you are bigger, smarter, and stronger, they have a frustrating way of slipping one arm back out when you are trying to get the other one in the sleeve. Same with pants, shoes, diapers.
Somehow we manage to raise kids who wear clothes, but it is not easy
We often try to wiggle our way out of God’s plans for our lives — His plans are for our good…a future and hope. How often do we run from His plans?
Jeremiah was a late-seventh to early-sixth century Judahite prophet. He prophesied the deportation of the elites of Judah in 597 BC, the destruction of Jerusalem, and further deportations in 587–86 BC.
God called Jeremiah to remind the people of Judah of how badly they were failing to love God and each other. The people of Judah trusted in themselves more than they trusted God
In Jeremiah 18, God illustrates who He is by using a familiar image: a potter and his work.
God takes Jeremiah behind the scenes at the potter’s house to show how important it is to let God do His work
Transitional: If we understand that God is in control, we know that...
HE DIRECTS US
HE DIRECTS US
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel.
God could have just given Jeremiah the message and told him to go share it with the people
But God wanted Jeremiah to see the truth of His plan in a real life example/illustration
God Directs us in Clear and Specific Ways
Arise and go down...
God can and will show us His truth in unique and memorable ways, if we are ready to listen and watch
As you pray, listen, learn from God’s Word, and open your heart and your eyes, God can and will use things in your every day life to illustrate truth to you.
Pottery making was a common thing — they used a lot of pottery in their culture — it was a great way to learn that God is in Control and that He has a plan, if His people will listen and obey.
Are you too Preoccupied Listening to Other Voices to Hear God’s Voice?
What are those other voices?
Pain, worry, fear, anger, confusion, addictions, temptations, etc.
Transitional: As we learn to obey and trust God before we see the answers...
HE MOLDS US
HE MOLDS US
Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. Then God’s Message came to me: “Can’t I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?” God’s Decree! “Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel.
The common vessels made by the potter were for household use: plates, bowls, water pitchers, etc.
God’s Deep Love Means He Won’t Stop Working on Us!
God Sometimes Brings us to a Place of “Starting Over”
It can be very uncomfortable…but His plan is always right
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Transitional: When it seems like we are going around in circles…God hears, He knows, and...
HE RESPONDS TO US
HE RESPONDS TO US
How Will We Respond to God’s Work Individually?
Will we argue with the Potter?
You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?
A loving parent doesn’t enjoy disciplining their child — They only want what is best for their child
God only wants what is best for you…sometimes that requires a lot of molding and shaping
CHALLENGE
Video: “A Journey to the Potter’s House”
God is the Potter ... you are the clay; submit to His intense molding and shaping as He forms of you just the right vessel for His purposes.
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.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!