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JEREMIAH 18:1-6

THE MASTER POTTER

Intro: As we watch the potter work, three things arrest our attention. The potter - an 
       intelligent capable worker. The wheel - the instrument by which he does his  work. The
       clay - the material he works with. Practically worthless, yet unlimited  potential. We
       watch as the potter makes, mars, remakes the vessel.

I. PRINCIPAL.
        A. The potters interest in the clay.
                1. He knows what He desires to make of it. 
                2. He knows the shape He wants it to take. 
                3. He works with it to create the right texture.
                4. He places it in a shapeless mass on the wheel.
        B. We see His attention to His work.
                1. As with His foot He starts the wheel to turn, we see Him skillfully begin
                   to touch the clay and watch it as it responds.
        C. We see His absolute power over the clay. 
                1. The clay has no choice - no wish - just unlimited potential.
                        a. The clay has no inward force to full-fill it's capacity.
                        b. It lies there a shapeless mass awaiting the touch of the potters
                           hand.
                                1. What is He doing now? 
                                2. Why is it whirling so fast? 
                                3. I'm getting dizzy!
                2. The potter is supreme.
                        a. He controls the speed of the wheel.
                        b. He controls the shape of the clay.
                                1. Look on shelf - other vessels He has formed.
                                2. Infinite variety He can create.
                        c. You say,  "but I have a will of my own."
                                1. True - and this is where the figure breaks down.
                                2. I am free to choose the potter - the master principles that
                                   will shape my destiny. That's all.
                        d. True wisdom lies in my unconditional surrender to God.

II. PURPOSE OF THE POTTER. "He wrought His work."
        A. He has a purpose for that clay. 
                1. He isn't just amusing Himself. 
                2. He isn't just fooling around.
        B. What is His purpose?
                1. I do not fully know yet.
                2. I must quietly wait and remain yielded to His tough.
                3. I can see the way things have taken shape thus far.
                        a. I did not understand many things.
                        b. I questioned the potter - I thought he was wrong.
                4. As He continues to work, it becomes more glorious all the time.

III. THE POTTER HIMSELF.
        A. The first two lessons could fill me with fear.
                1. What if I don't want to be what He wants to make me?
                2. What if I have thwarted His plans through my rebellion?
                3. What if my life is messed up because I deliberately disobeyed His will?
                4. I rebel against yielding to an absolute authority.
        B. "And the vessel was marred in the hands of the Potter."
                1. He did not discard the vessel, He remade it.
                2. Who is this potter?
                3. "Lord, show us the Father and it sufficieth us."
                4. "He that hath seen Me, hath seen the Father."
        C. Look closely at the feet at the hands - "they have been pierced."  The Potter loves
           the clay.