This morning we looked at the fact that God is the Potter and we are the clay (see Is 64:8, Jer 18:1-7, 2 Cor 4:7) God is the One who shapes and moulds us to His image, re-forming us when we fail and let Him down, never giving up on us. To be clay seems to be an identity that is far from glamorous, but when we are prepared to be moulded by the Master Potter, we can be useful to Him and prepared to do any good work. (2 Tim 2:21)
One of the chief characteristics of clay is its malleability. Soft clay can be shaped into different things by a skilful potter, which reminds us of the diversity within the church, since we are all called to different services and roles. The opposite of soft clay is hard clay that has dried out and is brittle and unable to be moulded. We need the breath of God to soften us and need to respond to God when He speaks to us, rather than hardening our hearts (see Heb 3:7-11). Jeremiah, sent to the potter’s house by God so that he could see first hand how God wanted to re-shape His people, spoke about how Israel constantly rebelled against God and would not repent. The consequences for them were great (exile for 70 years). It is not wise to rebel against God!
Being clay means that we are not in charge: God is. Paul spoke about carrying the treasure of God in jars of clay. (2 Cor 4:7) This means that our boasting can only be in the Lord and in our own weakness, for that way, any goodness or glory proves God’s worth! (see 2 Cor 10:17, 2 Cor 11:29-30, 2 Cor 12:8-10) God is able to help us, even when we run away (as Jonah did) or deny Him (as Peter did.) When we are clay in God’s hands, we surrender to His will (see Luke 22:42) and trust Him even in our trials and tests (see Gen 22.) Then we can know that we are being changed into the image of His Son, transformed into HIs likeness by His Spirit. (Rom 8:29, 2 Cor 3:17-18)