Working At The Wheel

The work of a potter moulding the clay at his wheel is well understood as a Biblical analogy of the relationship between God and us, His people, because the basics of the potter's craft have changed very little over the centuries.

Jeremiah 18:3 – So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel.

The potter begins to whirl the wheel using a treadle, like an old-fashioned sewing machine. On either side of him stand two basins of water. Whenever he touches the clay, he first dips his hands in the water. Always, between the clay and his delicate fingers or smooth palms, there is lots of moisture. A bit of gentle pressure here, and the clay rises upward. A prod from the top and a cavity begins to appear. As the shape of a graceful goblet appears, the craftsman impresses his wishes onto the clay through the medium of the water.In the same way, God's will and wishes for our lives are transmitted to us through the water of His own Word. Scripture contains the expressed will of God — it is the character of God written down. As we expose ourselves to God's Word, His strong, skilled hands are shaping our character and guiding the course of our lives.

Prayer: Remind us daily, Lord, to give You an opportunity to speak to us through Your Word. Help us to be fully open to the shaping and moulding You want to do in our lives. Amen.