IN THE POTTER’S HAND

Jeremiah 18:1-23

Thursday, 26 March 2026

He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.” -Jeremiah 18:6

A very interesting portrayal of God the Creator as a potter—one who can shape, break and remake the clay in his hand! God asked Prophet Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house so he could bring an illustrative example to his people. Israel had backslidden into apostasy, in turning away from God and His ways. God tried to woo them back to Him with the many messages He brought to them through Jeremiah. 

From what God spoke, it is encouraging to hear what He had to say in Verses 7-10. Though He had decided to bring judgment on the nation because of their sin in turning away from Him, He would still reconsider His intent of the disaster He would send if they would repent and return to Him. On a similar note, if He had intended to do good to nation but they had done evil and disobeyed His voice, He will relent from bringing the good He planned. This is a solemn warning for all of us who take the grace of God for granted.  

Jeremiah had carefully observed the potter on the wheel as he worked on the clay vessel that had marred in his hands in the process of shaping. The potter made it again into another vessel! He did not throw it into the dump but reshaped it! Dear brothers and sisters, this points us to the God of second chances—who is willing to put His time and effort into a life “marred by sin” yet willing to return to Him in repentance! What a picture of a merciful God who is willing to give the wayward and the rebellious a second chance if only he/she will turn back to the Creator!

If you are a backslider, understand the ways you have strayed away from God:

• Walking according to own way (v.12): When a person walks according to his own way, he complies with the dictates of his evil heart that has chosen disobedience to the Lord and His word. Jeremiah 17:9 notes: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” A sinful heart misleads one in the wrong direction.

• Forgetting God and turning to worthless idols (v.15): When God is not given priority in one’s life, other “idols” keep vying for the position of prominence. Ambition, money, worldly lusts, possessions are modern day idols for people. These rule and direct the very life of people such that they have no time for God or seeking Him. Jesus had clearly spoken: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt.6:33). Yet people seek after the things of the world than Him.

Now for a time of introspection—where are we at in our relationship with God? Have you given Him first place in your life by yielding your life to Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If so is He leading and guiding you in His way? On the other hand, are you someone who has conveniently put God aside and have been following the dictates of your self that you are far from God and His ways? If so, here is a summon to return, to seek Christ and His way; the wrong ways of the self and the world can ultimately lead you to ruin. Remember, as clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in the hands of your Maker who can still mold you into a beautiful vessel- if you are willing!

Come to Christ Jesus who will never reject you: “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”(John 6:37)

The Lord reminds you today: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)