The Potter and the Clay Clay Defined a

The Potter and the Clay

Clay Defined a type of fine soil or rock: a fine-grained material consisting mainly of hydrated aluminum silicates that occurs naturally in soil and sedimentary rock. Use: in making bricks, ceramics, and cement; 2. modeling substance: a substance like clay used for modeling; 3. heavy sticky earth: earth, especially heavy sticky wet earth; 4. human body: the physical body of a human being, particularly the matter of which it is composed The Encarta World English Dictionary 1.

Incidental Occurrences �In describing the genealogy of Jacob/Israel, the sons of Judah included Shelah and his descendants who were potters by trade (1 Chron. 4: 21 -23). �After betraying the Lord, Judas felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. They used the money to purchase the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers (Matt. 27: 1 -10; cf. Zech. 11: 12 -13).

Characteristics of Clay is composed of small particles that adhere closely to one another. Instead of being puffed up, Christians should have a small view of self, and be closely joined to our brethren (Matt. 20: 20 -28; Phil. 2: 1 -8).

Characteristics of Clay �In comparison with sand other soils, clay retains moisture. �Let us avoid the folly of ancient Israel, who forsook God and turned aside to idolatry, hewing for themselves broken cisterns that held no water (Jer. 2: 9 -13). �Coming to Christ, let us drink from the fount of living water which He alone provides (John 4: 7 -14; 7: 37 -39).

Characteristics of Clay �Clay is pliable, and can be easily molded by a potter. In like manner, God would mold and make us according to His will (Isa. 64: 8 -12). �Therefore, let us present our bodies to God as a living and holy sacrifice (Rom. 12: 1 -2). �Being saved by grace through faith, may we willingly yield to His plan and purpose (Eph. 2: 8 -10).

Characteristics of Clay �When clay is fired, it forms a solid which has internal strength, but is not easily joined to a dissimilar substance (cf. Dan. 2: 40 -43). �Recognizing the benefits of fiery trials, let us develop spiritual strength, but not be bound together with unbelievers (1 Pet. 4: 12 -19; 2 Cor. 6: 14 -18).

Characteristics of Clay �Clay pottery is fragile, and can thus be easily destroyed (Isa. 30: 12 -14). �Recognizing spiritual dangers, let us flee temptation rather than follow after the same (2 Tim. 2: 20 -26).

Characteristics of the Potter �God possesses creativity which is marvelously displayed in the physical creation (Psa. 19: 1 -6; Rom. 1: 18 -20). �His handiwork is apparent in His spiritual creation, the church (Eph. 3: 8 -13; Heb. 12: 18 -24).

Characteristics of the Potter �Divine resourcefulness is also reflected in our individual lives, as God lifts us out of sin, removing its shame and degradation, granting us dignity and purpose, helping us to become conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8: 28 -30; Col. 3: 9 -11).

Characteristics of the Potter �The Potter has power over the clay, to mold and make, to shatter and destroy. Wicked men defy the Lord and His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” Yet, the Lord’s plan and purpose cannot be thwarted: “I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain. ”

Characteristics of the Potter �There are only two options: �We show discernment, and worship the Lord; �We show defiance, and are shattered like earthenware (Psa. 2: 1 -12; cf. also Isa. 30: 12 -14). �The choice is ours: will we become vessels of wrath/dishonor, or will we be vessels of mercy/honor (Jer. 18: 1 -12; 19: 10 -13; Rom. 9: 20 -24; 2 Tim. 2: 20 -22)?

Conclusion �Though mankind oft manifests a spirit of prideful rebellion, God remains in control, and will deal marvelously with His people, punishing the perverse and preserving the penitent (Isa. 29: 13 -24, esp. vs. 1516; cf. also 45: 9 -12).

Conclusion �Shall we acknowledge our guilt and seek God’s favor? Will we be pliable in the Potter’s hands, and thus enjoy His favor, or become hardened, and provoke His anger (Isa. 64: 6 -65: 2)? Will we be humble and responsive or will we be obstinate and disobedient (Rom. 10: 11 -21)?