2. 4. The Potter & the Clay Jeremiah 18:1-18 p. 715

3. Go down to the potter’s house... Video – Potter & Clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGcv4dUplXA

4. Go down to the potter’s house...  God is the potter: we are the clay  Potter has the right to mould the clay any way he wants  God exercises those rights in a surprising way...  Today:  R ights of the Potter  R esponse of the Clay  R ole of the messenger

5. 1. R ights of the Potter  Potter shapes clay “as seems best to him” (v 4)  Metaphor used by Isaiah  Humans get their understanding upside-down (29:16)  God is the one who made us (64:8)  God has the right to decide our purpose (Rom 9:21)

6. 1. R ights of the Potter...  Potter responds to the clay as he works it (v 4)  There is an interaction between the potter & the clay.  God will act consistently with his nature (v 7-9)  Announces calamity; people repent – he will relent.  Promises blessing; people do evil – he will not do good.  E.g. Jonah & Nineveh. They repented, God had mercy.

7. 1. R ights of the Potter...  God has the right to what he wants with the clay  God chooses to show mercy whenever possible.  Consistent with his character (Ex 34: 6-7)  Jeremiah calls people to repent before calamity comes

8. 2. Response of the Clay  People follow their stubborn evil hearts (v 12)  They think they are doing what is best for them:  Not: “Hey, calamity is coming but who cares”  But: “He’s wrong, calamity will not come upon us”  Their response is based on false beliefs.  Today the same.

9. 2. Response of the Clay...  He calls the natural order to testify against them  Consistency of nature – vs – inconsistency of Israel.  Consistency of nature – we can plan and prosper (v 14)  But we do not show consistency in worship (v 15)  Response – based on God’s character – is judgment (v 17)  But repentance will lead to mercy, grace, forgiveness.

10. 3. Role of the Messenger  Jeremiah must speak as the Lord directs.  We have all been given this responsibility – witnesses.  How people respond is their responsibility.  It is not easy (v 18)  The leaders decide to undermine and slander him – to negate his message.

11. 3. Role of the Messenger...  Jeremiah complains to the Lord (v 19-23).  He wants vengeance and he wants vindication.  How can a righteous prophet say such things?  He is simply praying what God has warned he will do.  But Jesus & NT teaches forgiveness (e.g. Rom 12:17-21)  Jeremiah is going to place he can express his turmoil.

12. Living It  OUR STRUGGLES:  Life of faithful obedience can be extremely difficult.  Speaking into the choices is even tougher.  It is appropriate to wrestle open-heartedly with God.  Does not change our conduct or message.  We keep in mind the character of God – mercy & grace.  Forgiveness breaks the cycle of vengeance.

13. Living It  OUR MESSAGE:  We have a message of hope and rescue.  We speak into the issues in our society: Personal salvation & the essence of our humanityPersonal salvation & the essence of our humanity Sanctity of lifeSanctity of life Honouring our sexuality according to God’s designHonouring our sexuality according to God’s design Good stewardship of creationGood stewardship of creation Care of the weak and vulnerableCare of the weak and vulnerable Opposition to the exploitative pursuit of profit.Opposition to the exploitative pursuit of profit.

14. Living It  HOPE:  God’s acts in ways consistent with his character  He delights to show mercy & forgive. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17)