The Potter Loves the Clay

Consider the potter. He envisions a finished article, then manipulates the clay to his purpose. If the clay is stiff, flawed, and lumpy, he must knead the clay and remove the impurities until it is pliant and supple.

If the clay had a will of it’s own, it would have to make a decision: Do I accept the mastery of the potter? Or do I, mere clay, contrive my own purpose, independent of the potter?

Nothing else may be settled until this decision is made. Yes, time may pass, giving the illusion of progress, but clay, without the creative input of the potter, is just shapeless and useless.

Now, imagine the enemy of the potter, whispering to the clay, "You have a right to be shapeless and useless. Be modern, and create your own destiny! Your independence from the potter is a strength you may boast of. See how many around you are standing firm against the potter." And the useless clay may plant it’s shapeless feet firmly in the mud and say, "Yes! I am me!"

Which voice is it that encourages pride of self, hindering the clay from attaining it’s higher purpose?

And whose hands are they, that knead and shape the clay into an item of useful beauty?

Behold the truth: The potter loves the clay. (John 3:16)

Are you shapeless and useless? Can you be that honest, just for a moment as you read this?

As we learn the truth, aren’t we compelled to surrender ourselves to the Potter, leaping into His hands with unrestrained joy? As we disown our own ways, and abandon our selves to His purpose, He will fashion us in His own image as He intended from that first moment that He breathed into Adam. As He intended when He sacrificed His own Son, sprinkling holy blood on the selfish clay. With that same intent breathing His Holy Spirit into us this very day!