Category Archives: Creator

Bible, Common, Creation, Creator, Honorablre, Pottery, Romans, Scripture, Service

HOW ARE YOU BEING USED?

ROMANS 9:21

“Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?”

When I was a little boy, I spent a good bit of time at my Grandma Carter’s house out in the country. Now, her house did have running water and a toilet, but it was a simple, farmhouse built for utility not luxury. I noticed this white pot with a lid in one of the bedrooms once and asked my grandma why she had a cooking pot by the bed. She laughed and said that wasn’t for cooking. Puzzled I asked what it was used for. She told me her mama used to use that for a toilet so she wouldn’t have to walk to the outhouse at night. It was a very desired item in homes back then.

Some scholars think Paul is referring to a chamber pot like my grandma’s when he says, “another for common use.” The value of the pot was determined by its use. Some were used for worship, like the ones described for use in the tabernacle or temple. But all pieces of pottery or every pot has its use. Sometimes those most common use items are the most valuable because they are used the most, like that favorite pot you may have in your house. Paul’s point is both are made by the potter, and their use is at His discretion.

APPLICATION

In Jeremiah 18:3-6 we have a great image of this. “3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 ‘Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?’ declares the LORD. ‘Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.’” We are only clay in the Potter’s hand.

Paul uses this imagery again in 2 Timothy 2:20. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor.” God will shape us and use us according to His pleasure. That’s not a put down. It’s according to His perfect will. The question is whether we will submit to His use of us.

I have to admit that I have at times resisted His choice for me. I had other plans. I saw myself in another role or position in ministry by a certain point in my life. I had my career path mapped out. But then God stepped in. What I have found in my over 46 years of ministry is when I yield to the Master Artist’s touch in my life, I am much more fulfilled, no matter what He has chosen for me to do. Will you do that today? Will you yield to His touch on your life?

Thank You, Lord, for choosing me for the role You intended. That role has changed through the years, but You have been the consistent one.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Arguing, Bible, Creator, Molded, Romans, Scripture, Yielding

DON’T TALK BACK

ROMANS 9:20

“On the contrary, who are you, you foolish person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it?”

One thing my dad and mom would not tolerate is one of their children talking back to them. They would put a stop to that very quickly. That’s not to say we didn’t mutter some things under our breath, lol. We could not understand some of their rules. We thought we knew better, which we didn’t. My folks have been gone for a while now, but I wish I could reach out for some advice just about every day. They knew what they were doing raising four kids.

Don’t you just love Paul’s example in today’s verse? But wait, is he calling me a lump of clay? I don’t think so. He is pointing out once again that God is in charge, not us. Just as a lump of clay is formed by the artist into something useable and beautiful, God is molding us into something He sees as beautiful. We simply have to yield to the Master’s hands. Sometimes that lump of clay doesn’t conform as the artist wants. So, what do they do? They smush it back down on the table and begin the process again. Boy, I’ve been there. Have you?

APPLICATION

Paul is quoting from Isaiah 45:9 which says, “‘Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— A piece of pottery among the other earthenware pottery pieces! Will the clay say to the potter, “What are you doing?” Or the thing you are making say, “He has no hands”’?” The whole picture of this is ridiculous. When does pottery talk? Oh yeah, in that Beauty and the Beast movie! Lol. Seriously, pottery has no rights of its own. The maker determines the size and use of the vessel. Hmmm, doesn’t God have the same authority over us? We do not have the right to argue how God uses us.

Paul calls a spade a spade here. He says, “Who are we to argue with God?” The word “foolish” is not in the Greek text, but it is sure implied. “Answers back” is antapokrinomai which is only used here and in Luke 14:6 where it refers to the Pharisees who after seeing Jesus heal a man on the Sabbath. It says, “And they could offer no reply to this.” At least these Pharisees saw the futility of trying to argue with Jesus. Have you?

Ouch, Carl! That smarted a bit. Sorry about that. We are all guilty of doing that from time to time. We have a better plan than God, and we tell Him so. We don’t like the way He answered a certain prayer, and we tell Him so. We need to stop “telling Him so” and do more listening. Allow the Lord to change your heart. Trust His sovereignty over your life. Whatever He is making you into will be a holy vessel useable by Him and for Him. What else could you ask for?

Mold me and make me into whatever You choose, O Great Pottery Maker.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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