Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+18.1-11

Scripture

The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.

Observation

The Lord tells Jeremiah to go to the house of the potter. Jeremiah goes and sees a potter working at a wheel. The vessel he is working on goes wrong so he reworks it into a different shape and purpose.

The Lord then speaks to Jeremiah and says that He is the potter shaping the nations, including Israel, to His purposes. He may declare disaster on a nation, but if that nation repents of its evil ways, He will save it. Likewise, He may plan to bless a nation, but if the nation turns to evil then He will withdraw the blessing.

He then warns Israel that He is planning judgement on the nation but there is still a chance to turn from its wicked ways.

Application

It is a sobering thought that we are clay on the Potter’s wheel. We want to think that we are captains of our own destiny, but the truth is that the Lord is shaping us for His purposes.

There are few fixed points in our future. Our sin will reap its rewards, but if we repent we can avoid eternal judgement. Likewise all of our good deeds count for nothing if there is sin in our hearts. Our relationship with God, in Jesus, is the key to becoming vessels fit for use.

Only Jesus can rework our lives and reshape the vessel of our heart.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I submit myself to you again. You are the Potter, I am the clay. Use me for your purposes. Amen

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+2.1-13

What did I do

That you reject me so?

I loved you and rescued you

I gave you a land and identity.

You, my people, spurned me

My love is nothing to you

I gave you living water

But you preferred leaky tanks.

Scripture

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you

And before you were born I consecrated you

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Observation

Jeremiah came from a priestly family and the word of the Lord came to him during the reigns of the last three kings of Judah- Josiah, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.

The Lord says that from before Jeremiah was born He had appointed him a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah resists, saying he is only a boy. The Lord tells him that He, the Lord, will protect him as Jeremiah goes with the message.

The Lord then touches Jeremiah’s mouth and says that He has put His word in Jeremiah’s mouth, and Jeremiah will be used to pull down and raise up nations.

Application

It is important to remember always that the word of the Lord is in us in the form of the Holy Spirit.

I may not have the internationally influential ministry that Jeremiah had, but as long as I obey the Lord’s directions, I can be sure of His presence and protection.

Prayer

Lord I often feel inadequate for the task you have called me to, just like Jeremiah. Thank you that my calling is not dependent on my ability but on yours. Amen.

Scripture

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he will execute justice and righteousness in the land.

Observation

The Lord will fulfil the promises that He made to His people. A new righteous Branch of David will spring up to execute justice and righteousness. Jerusalem will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.”

There will always be a man to sit on David’s throne and a man in the Lord’s presence to offer sacrifices. This is as unbreakable as the covenant with day and night.

Application

Jesus is the fulfilment of the Davidic covenant. He reigns on the throne of God for ever, a descendant of David.

Jesus is also our High Priest, standing for ever in the presence of the Father offering an eternal sacrifice on behalf of all people.

This New Covenant, a continuation and fulfilment of the Old Covenant, began in a stable in Bethlehem 2000 years ago and continues into eternity.

Because of this covenant, we Gentiles and sinners have full access to God and guaranteed access to eternal life.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your great love shown in the Covenant you established in Christ. Amen.

Covenanter God

Calling people home

Tempering wrath at sin

With the grace of Father’s heart.

—

Spirit-sending Saviour

Show us your ways

Righteousness rises

As forgiveness flows.

—

Crucified God

Suffering for sinners

Reconciling all

Who receive your love.