SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 18
AT THE POTTER’S HOUSE (vs. 1-23)
The Lord told Jeremiah that he is the potter the the clay is Israel. The clay is under the control of the petter. At any time, the Lord can uproot, torn down or destroy a nation. At any time, he can also build and plant a nation. The Lord asked Jeremiah to tell the nation to turn from their evil ways, reform their ways and change their actions. But they would not listen. They continued with their own plans and follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So their land will be laid waste. They will be scattered before their enemies.
The people of Israel hated Jeremiah. They attacked him with tongues and paid no attention to anything he said. So, Jeremiah asked God to avenge for him with this petition:
- Give their children over to famine; hand them over to the power of the sword. (v. 21a)
- Let their wives be made childless and widows; let their men be put to death. (v. 21b)
- Let their young men slain by the sword in battle. (v. 21c)
- Let the invaders came into their houses. (v. 22a)
- Do not forgive their crimes or blot out their sins from your sight. (v. 23a)
- Overthrow them before you. (v. 23b)
THOUGHTS:
The potter has the power over the clay to permit the defects to remain or to reshape the pot. Similarly, God has the power to reshape the nation and to conform to his purposes. As clay, we should yield to God for him to reshape us into valuable vessels.
Jeremiah openly spoke against the king, officials, priest, prophets and teachers. He gave unpopular criticism which they did not want to listen, In contrast, the false prophets often told them what they wanted to hear. How about you? How do you respond to criticisms?