The Potter and the Clay

Jeremiah 18:1-6, NIV

A potter uses clay to make bowls that we use in our daily lives. God describes himself as the potter and us humans as the clay. Through the process that the potter takes to create a bowl from clay, we can realize the grace of God that turns us into the bowl that He wants us to be.

1. Finding good clay
A. Earthenware cannot be made from any clay ? you must find clay that makes earthenware.
B. Like so, God does not take any person and turn him into a heavenly bowl ? one must be chosen by God.

2. Digging out the clay and taking it to the storehouse
A. The clay cannot be used by itself because it has many impurities. It must be washed with water.
B. When God calls man, He guides him to a church and without fail, puts him through a cleansing process of repentance.

3. Breaking the clay to make it soft
A. Clay must be soft and flexible in the potter’s hand.
B. We must lay ourselves down in front of the Lord and obey Him absolutely.
C. The clay is put on a potter’s wheel to be made into a bowl that the potter desires.
D. We are made into a bowl that God wants when we lay ourselves down and obey.

4. Baking the clay in a kiln
A. The clay is baked in an oven at a hot temperature of hundreds of degrees.
B. We must be baked in the oven of the Holy Spirit.
C. Then the clay becomes a product that is sold all throughout.
D. If followers of Christ go through this process and become bowls, they will be put into God’s work through His will.

We must examine whether we are well-made, well-baked, and if there are any pieces chipped off. We must become the heavenly bowls that pleases God.