
Jeremiah 18:1-10
When something we treasure is broken we will go to any lengths to fix it, won’t we? My mother had a dainty needle-point chair with a fragile back that broke every time a heavy man sat on it and tilted back. When I inherited it, the same thing happened. Although it is mended, one can still see the line in the wood where it was repaired. It would be impossible to make it new again.
However, there is an account in scripture that tells us when the clay pot broke, the potter threw the clay back on the wheel and made it again – new! This is used as an illustration of what God wants to do with our lives. He tells us through the Apostle Paul that in Christ we are made into new creatures – that the old has passed away and we have been remade (2 Corinthians 5:17) – “born again” if we use Jesus’ words! (John 3:3).
Think of all the people in this world who want another go at life. Feeling inadequate or like utter failures, feeling broken – how many long for a second chance? Here in God’s Word is the offer of a life-time. Just imagine, offered by Almighty God, the One who so many fear will judge us for all the wrong choices we have made, or the mess we have made out of circumstances.
However, there are some people who don’t know that their lives are cracked, who won’t admit it anyway. We cannot be healed if we don’t face the fact that our wounds need treatment. Perhaps some are hairline fractures in the clay of our lives – those secret sins we have been able to hide from everyone (but God). The Potter needs/wants to fix these. He isn’t asking us to fix ourselves, but rather to let Him do it, as Lord of our lives.
What a glorious hope! I do not have to renew my own spirit, but it is done by the Master. Only the power of God is adequate to renew a right spirit according to the Psalmist (51:10). He is petitioned by many to renew their strength. This renewal is absolutely transforming! (Romans 12:2) Broken minds, broken hearts – nothing is beyond the scope of God Almighty to make new. What a mighty God we serve!
“The pot was marred, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him”.
Jeremiah 18:4
Reflection:
The Lord Jesus came to earth as a baby with the specific purpose of sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God, once for all our sins (Hebrews 10:14, 18).
Did you ever experience failure feelings? Have you ever wanted a fresh start?








