In Jeremiah 18 we have that well known account where the prophet is sent to the potter's house. Here he sees the potter at work. But as he sought to create a vessel for a certain purpose, something in the clay is unyielding and the work was spoiled. The potter starts again with the same lump of clay but this time he turns it into a vessel for a different purpose.
Apart from the immediate message to a rebellious people at that time I suppose the illustration is capable of interpretation in various ways. Some will see it as an illustration of a God with whom there is always a second chance of recovering what might otherwise have been lost altogether. Some will see it as an illustration that when God's perfect will for a person is frustrated he is still able to use him in a different way if he truly repents. The latter is more true to the historical context of Jeremiah's experience.
I have found myself pondering on some of the biblical accounts where what started out in one way turned out differently. For example, John Mark who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first mission through what we now call southern Turkey started out well but gave up along the way, letting Paul and Barnabas down. That event led to Paul not wanting to give him a second chance when planning another mission trip. But later, when writing three letters he commends him and in his second letter to Timothy describes Mark as helpful.
Then there was Demas who had been described as a fellow worker deserts Paul at a time of need because of the pull of this world. In other words the cost of discipleship proved too great.
In challenging some of the religious leaders who opposed him, Jesus told a story about two sons whom he asked to go and work in his vineyard. One refused but later repented and went. the other promised to go but failed to do so. Sometimes it is those that show the least promise whose actions prove their worth, while those who show much promise fail to fulfil what is expected of them. Actions speak louder than words.
There is a word of hope here for any who are aware of past failing. God can still use you if you gladly yield to him. But there is also a word of caution for those that start out well. Be careful that you do not fail before the end. Over the 50 years in ministry, which I celebrate this year, I have seen both situations. I can think of one person of whom I expected little who has proved a devout and fruitful servant of God. Sadly, I can also think of others who seemed to promise much but have deeply disappointed me.
Are we truly selflessly committed to the potters hands?
Thank you for your prayers during the past week. I had sent the Praise and Prayer News out on Friday as I was teaching at the Salvation Army College on the Safe and Sound Course. It was a smaller group than usual but there was good engagement with all aspects.
Last Sunday we marked Pentecost with ministry at Yelvertoft on the person of the Holy Spirit and his work of sanctifying and empowering. Monday's school assembly was cancelled at the last moment, but Tuesday's school assembly was a delight. The theme for the term is journeys in the Bible and I was given Paul at Damascus to talk about. The whole school listened in rapt attention.
I spent Wednesday at the Arthur Rank Centre as part of the Country Way editorial group in the morning, and chairing the Churches Rural Group in the afternoon. It is always good to meet with people who have a common heart for God's kingdom in rural Britain.
One amazing answer to prayer took place this week. I had asked you to pray about the situation in Action for Christ where we can no longer afford to pay the leasing costs for a multi-function printer. The finance company wrote advising us that the cost to cancel the lease was just over £5,000 but then they have offered the opportunity to do so for just £750 plus VAT.
Items for your prayers please
Apart from the immediate message to a rebellious people at that time I suppose the illustration is capable of interpretation in various ways. Some will see it as an illustration of a God with whom there is always a second chance of recovering what might otherwise have been lost altogether. Some will see it as an illustration that when God's perfect will for a person is frustrated he is still able to use him in a different way if he truly repents. The latter is more true to the historical context of Jeremiah's experience.
I have found myself pondering on some of the biblical accounts where what started out in one way turned out differently. For example, John Mark who accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first mission through what we now call southern Turkey started out well but gave up along the way, letting Paul and Barnabas down. That event led to Paul not wanting to give him a second chance when planning another mission trip. But later, when writing three letters he commends him and in his second letter to Timothy describes Mark as helpful.
Then there was Demas who had been described as a fellow worker deserts Paul at a time of need because of the pull of this world. In other words the cost of discipleship proved too great.
In challenging some of the religious leaders who opposed him, Jesus told a story about two sons whom he asked to go and work in his vineyard. One refused but later repented and went. the other promised to go but failed to do so. Sometimes it is those that show the least promise whose actions prove their worth, while those who show much promise fail to fulfil what is expected of them. Actions speak louder than words.
There is a word of hope here for any who are aware of past failing. God can still use you if you gladly yield to him. But there is also a word of caution for those that start out well. Be careful that you do not fail before the end. Over the 50 years in ministry, which I celebrate this year, I have seen both situations. I can think of one person of whom I expected little who has proved a devout and fruitful servant of God. Sadly, I can also think of others who seemed to promise much but have deeply disappointed me.
Are we truly selflessly committed to the potters hands?
Thank you for your prayers during the past week. I had sent the Praise and Prayer News out on Friday as I was teaching at the Salvation Army College on the Safe and Sound Course. It was a smaller group than usual but there was good engagement with all aspects.
Last Sunday we marked Pentecost with ministry at Yelvertoft on the person of the Holy Spirit and his work of sanctifying and empowering. Monday's school assembly was cancelled at the last moment, but Tuesday's school assembly was a delight. The theme for the term is journeys in the Bible and I was given Paul at Damascus to talk about. The whole school listened in rapt attention.
I spent Wednesday at the Arthur Rank Centre as part of the Country Way editorial group in the morning, and chairing the Churches Rural Group in the afternoon. It is always good to meet with people who have a common heart for God's kingdom in rural Britain.
One amazing answer to prayer took place this week. I had asked you to pray about the situation in Action for Christ where we can no longer afford to pay the leasing costs for a multi-function printer. The finance company wrote advising us that the cost to cancel the lease was just over £5,000 but then they have offered the opportunity to do so for just £750 plus VAT.
Items for your prayers please
- Give thanks for God's blessing on the activities of the past week.
- Give thanks for all who have a heart for advancing the kingdom of God in rural areas at home and abroad.
- Give thanks for Monica's safe return from Africa. She is recovering well from her injuries suffered there.
- Give thanks for the offer regarding the printer and for a donation of £10 towards the £750. Only another 74 donations to go!
- Pray for the school's work of the past week.
- Pray for the administration and governance work in which I will be involved this week. I still have some work with Mission for Christ/Action for Christ to complete. I am also preparing for a Sunrise Ministries trustees meeting on June 3rd.
Thank you.
Barry
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