Reflections on Jeremiah 18

The vessel was beautiful. Soft gentle tones of pale gray and light heather created a delicate background for the vibrant shades of striking violet and midnight blue, which cried out to be seen and appreciated by all who encountered its loveliness. Fine lines of gold and silver adorned the rim and gracefully crafted handle, creating an altogether exquisite piece which begged the question, “Why had it been placed in service in such a common manner?”

But that was the way of the potter, each piece bore an importance all it’s own; be it intended for service to a pauper or a king.

The caller's voice reflected an urgency rarely heard in a time when pottery was so readily available. A vessel was needed! It must be made of the finest clay available; its color must be of the perfect shades, its design perfectly suited to the task at hand. The potter pondered the request as he surveyed his storehouse, confirming that which he already knew. The clay needed to mold such a vessel was not readily available; he had not seen material of that quality in several years. Yet the caller had come to him in desperation and he was not one to refuse the heartfelt need of another.

There was an answer of course, but he had much to consider. Was the risk too great? To create a vessel of such quality was difficult enough when the work was begun from an unused lump of clay, but to recreate…to remove a vessel from service...to melt it down in the fire’s heat…to remold it with intense pressure as it spun round and round on the potter’s wheel…ah, that was another story. Often cracks never present in the first creation would become visible as the potter reworked the clay. No matter how careful one was, always there was a faint hint of the prior hues, which might alter the clays ability to receive the new dye.

Then there was the question of guardianship. Would those who had carefully used and treasured the priceless vessel for so many years be willing to return it to the potter; to recommit it into his skilled hands that he might place it in service anew as he saw fit?

Though it was a painful choice, they had learned well in the years the vessel had served them and so they released it to the potter’s care.

And what of the new guardians? Would they love and protect the vessel yet to be given or would it be seen as common and ordinary, soon to be tossed aside and thoughtlessly neglected once the newness of its presence was gone? Would they see it’s beauty and delight in its loveliness or would they look only for the flaws that were certain to appear with time?

If the Potter knew, He only smiled and went eagerly about His work, for He remembered well the clay He now held in His hands. With the confidence born of one who has spent an eternity making and reshaping vessels that bring glory to their Creator, He set about His task.