Devotionals

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A Merciful Potter
© 2005
by

Stephen A. Peterson


During 2005, I had the opportunity to serve the people of Iraq and the United States as a member of the United States Army. While in Iraq, I also had the opportunity to witness a pot maker shape a vessel from what looked to be a handful of watered down mud. I watched the man beat down the mud then smooth it out turning it into the pot he wanted it to become. It was nearly completed to his satisfaction when a group of young boys playing soccer with a stone accidentally kicked it into his vessel ruining it. I thought the potter would yell and scream at the boys, maybe register a complaint to their parents or summon the authorities to remove them from his place of business. He did nothing adverse to the frightened boys. He, to my surprise, simply smiled, removed the stone, crushed the ruined pot, re-wet his hands and began to re-work the clay. In about twenty minutes or so, there was another pot seemingly more beautiful and perfect than the one damaged by the boys.

As I think back on the incident I look at our attempt to live the life of Christ the way He did. Then I come to the conclusion that I have failed and in too many instances miserably!! I try daily to be Christ-like as He is written about in the Bible. However, at times I experience unjustified anger, envy for what others have even though I know God has blessed me in so many ways, and sinful thoughts that make me wonder if I am really saved. At times, I do not like myself and wonder if God does. But like that Iraqi potter, Jesus simply smiles and starts over again. He takes the stone of sin out of my life if I own up to my faults and sins and begins again. With patience and unconditional love, he re-shapes me to be better than I was before as He subjects me to the fires of the consequences of my sins. I realize, in time, that Jesus never tires in His attempt to make me His perfect vessel.

In the new year 2006, at some point, you may question your walk with Christ, your worthiness and your level of suffering. You should realize that no matter what you have done in the past, Jesus, the merciful potter, is ready to remove your sin or sins and begin anew if you will let Him be Master in your daily life.

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