An Inspiring Example: Lessons from Jeremiah's Potter and Clay
The title of this article was inspired by readings from Jeremiah, chapters 18 and 19. In these chapters, two types of vessels are mentioned. The vessel in chapter 18 is still in the potter's hands and can be reshaped. In contrast, the vessel in chapter 19 cannot be reshaped; it is broken and discarded.
In chapter 18, God invites Jeremiah to visit the potter's workshop. Jeremiah observes the potter working on a vessel that becomes marred in his hands. The potter then remakes the vessel using the same clay, shaping it as he deems best. At that moment, the word of the Lord comes to Jeremiah: “This is how I will act if my people repent; tell this to the people.” In other words, if the people repent, God will make them into a new vessel.
However, in chapter 19, Jeremiah is instructed to buy a jar from the potter. He is to announce to the people that God will bring calamity upon them like never before because they had abandoned the Lord and desecrated the place by burning incense to other gods. Jeremiah then breaks the jar in the presence of the men and declares, “This is how the Lord of Hosts will shatter the people, and the jar cannot be remade.”
In light of all this, Jeremiah had two significant reactions. The first, recorded in chapter 18, occurred when, under almost unbearable pressure, he expressed that God had deceived him. It seemed as though God had stepped away and left him alone. Jeremiah appeared to forget that God was still present, and he lost sight of the future hope that awaited him.
The second reaction, found in chapter 19, was a deep wish that he had never been born. Jeremiah felt that he would have preferred not to exist than to witness a people who abandoned the God who had never forsaken them.
His remarkable example helps us understand and endure the crises we face.
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
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