The Work of  Our Father's Hands

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:1-4

 

Father in heaven, in this verse we see the history of mankind. You formed the first man from the dust of the earth (clay), a flawless being in Your own image. Then Adam and Eve separated themselves from You by disobedience and became marred. Yet You sought them out as they tried to cover their shame and hide from You.

In due time You sent Your only begotten Son to atone for our sins and show us how to live connected with You. Thank You that You see us as we are in Christ though our characters are not yet conformed to His. Thank You that You never give up on remaking us.

Thank You that You have made us uniquely for Your purpose. Our appearance, the family, culture and country we were born in are designed for this. Remind us that we are the work of Your hands, Your masterpiece, when the media and other voices imply that we are lacking in some way. Heal us of any self-rejection and envy of other people’s appearance, position, personality, achievements or talents.

We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

 

Supporting Verses

But now, O LORD,

You are our Father;

We are the clay, and You our potter;

And all we are the work of Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

 

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the LORD. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so you are in My hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:1-6

 

Woe to him who strives with his Maker!

Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth!

Shall the clay say to him who forms it, “What are you making?”

Or shall your handiwork say, “He has no hands”?

Woe to him who says to his father, “What are you begetting?”

Or to the woman, “What have you brought forth?”

Isaiah 45:9-10

 

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered (margin = wove) me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skilfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they were all written,

The days fashioned for me,’

When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things are new. 2 Corinthians 5:17