The Potter and the clay
Potter and the clay. “I am the Potter, you are the clay” Isaiah 64:8
History of pottery
God was the first potter forming Adam from the dust of the ground, moulding the clay and breathed into him the breath of life. Gen. 2:7. Abraham says “I am but dust & ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord”. Gen. 18:27.
Making bowls and plates from clay was one of the first human inventions. Clay is present everywhere.
The first potter’s wheel is thought to have been invented in Mesopotamia 4000 BC.
Elihu reasoning with Job refers to his having been formed out of the clay. Job 33:4-6. Job is thought to have lived during the patriarchal age, probably before Abraham.
Pottery mentioned in the Bible when David was on the run from Absalom (II Samuel 17:27-28). Basins and earthen vessels and needed supplies brought to David.
Persian King Cyrus is referred to in Isaiah 41:25 “as the potter treadeth clay”. Cyrus will restores the captivity of the southern kingdom of Israel as God promised in Isaiah 41:8-10.
Famous message to Jeremiah from the Lord to “go down to the potter’s house to hear my word” Jeremiah Ch. 18.
The clay vessel that the potter made was marred so he made it again. vs.1-4.
The word of the Lord to Jeremiah regarding corrupt Israel. vs. 5-11.
Israel refused saying “we will walk after our own devices…” vs.12.
God’s judgement. vs. 15-17.
Jeremiah sent again to the nation of Judah with a lesson from the broken pottery. Jeremiah Ch. 19.
God tells Jeremiah to take a potter’s earthen bottle, go the east gate of Jerusalem with a message. vs. 1-10.
Jeremiah is then to break the bottle in their sight and predict the judgement to come. vs.10-15.
Isaiah refers to God as “our Father we are the clay, and Thou art our potter, and we all are the work of thy hand”. Isaiah 64:8-9. This is a reference to God forming Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground. Genesis 2:7.
Has not the Potter power over the clay? Romans 9:15-25.
It is God that showeth mercy on whom He will. vs.15-18.
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus. vs.20.
Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? vs.21.
Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, then refers to God’s call to the Gentiles. vs. 24-25. Then I will call them my people who were not my people. They shall say Thou art my God. Paul refers to Hosea 2:23.
Jesus reaching out to gentiles. John 1:11-13. He came to His own, and they received him not. But to those that received him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.
Below is the message audio
Below is the underlined link to the message notes
The hymnal Have Thine own way Lord was written by Adelaid A. Pollard, 1907:
Have Thine own way Lord, Have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will, while I am waiting yielded and still.
Posted on Facebook Aug. 10, 2024.