“1. The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2. Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4. And the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5. Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6. O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
Sin is an awful disease that destroys Christians every day that it can. Israel, God’s chosen people, who have inherited God’s promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, is going to be judged for their constant sin and rebellion. Jeremiah is being given a physical illustration of what God can do with a marred vessel! The word mar means to be disformed or disfigured. There was a day when Israel was a wonderful nation, the reign of King David, the reign of King Saul! In the beginning Israel was very blessed, but as time passes to the place of Jeremiah we can see that the chosen vessel, Judah, is about to be disformed in a bad way. Other scriptures show that the judgement coming will be 70 years of captivity to Babylon. There is one thing that is certain about God, He has always hated sin and still does today. Jeremiah the prophet is being used to warn Judah about the judgement that is coming, if they don’t repent of their sin and turn from their wicked ways. Verse four of the context shows that Judah was once a vessel, but their current state is being disformed, due to sin. I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” God’s desire for Judah is to repent of their sin so he can make them a new vessel again. Sometimes Christians start out strong, a great zeal for the Lord, but as sin begins to weaken them, their life turns out to be more like Judah, a rebellious house. God knew that Judah wouldn’t repent, but yet he still sends the preacher to warn them! If your saved today, you cant hide from God, He knows right where your at and He knows what it will take to get your attention. Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” If God allowed the temple in Jerusalem to be burned and His people carried away into captivity; what would He do today to a wayward child? The Bible says God chastens his children because he loves them. Chastening is never fun, in fact, its painful. What sins are you allowing to destroy your life and relationship with God? Its November, there are many born again hunters that treat hunting as a false idle in their life. Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night is a time for self enjoyment, rather than worshipping the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. Do yo read your Bible during deer season? That would require getting up even earlier than just getting to the stand in time. James 4:17 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” There is still time for change, don’t let sin destroy you! Just like in Jeremiah, there is still time for repentance, but if you don’t stop now; how will God judge you! Praise the Lord that He is a God of forgiveness and longsuffering, He will forgive and He will make you to be a new vessel that He can actually use!
Memory Verse Week 11/5/18
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
