His Vessel

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

The word ‘workmanship’ here is ‘poema’. It’s where we get our English word ‘poem’. It makes me think of a beautiful work of art. I am God’s beautiful work of art. So are you. Why does an artist create art of any kind. It is to express the beauty in the artist’s mind so that others can enjoy that beauty. God wants to express the beauty, love, joy, and peace that is in His heart to the world. He chose us to be that expression. (This fact really struck me. Am I displaying God’s Heart the way He wants me to? Yikes! Not always.)

There are multiple places in the Bible where the figure of the potter and the clay is used to express the relationship of God and man. These are a few:

• (Isaiah 64:8 KJV) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
• (Jeremiah 18:6 KJV) O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
• (Lamentations 4:2 KJV) The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
• (Romans 9:21 KJV) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonor?
• (Revelation 2:27 KJV) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Romans 9:21 would be a terrifying thought with any other potter. But I know this potter. This potter is love and everything He does is because He loves me and wants the very best life for me.

• This should make me willing to yield to Him and let Him form me however he desires (even if it is uncomfortable and I don’t understand it). Knowing every pressure that He brings against me is to form and to shape me according to the design in His mind and the purpose in His mind, as I become His workmanship, His poema, His expression of Himself.

One of the most common materials in all the earth is clay; and thus, the value is so small in its native state. This is such a wonderful symbol of God and His children.

• Only the Potter is able to take a piece of worthless clay and by the capable touch of His hand, He is able to make of it a priceless vessel.
• And before the Potter begins His work on that piece of clay, He already has in His mind what He wants to do with it. He knows what that vessel will one day become.
• I only have to trust God, that He knew from before the foundation of the world what He wanted me to be, to do for Him, my purpose, my calling.
• He can take my ordinary and common life and make something amazingly beautiful out of it.

TBH…I don’t always fully yield to the pressure that is shaping me. I don’t always understand what my purpose is beyond spreading the Gospel, giving thanks to my Creator, and praising my Savior. But I am forever grateful for the grace and mercy, along with the gentle correction (which happens a lot… LOL), that God gives. This is my journey; desperately seeking the will of God for my life. Sometimes tripping and stumbling but determined none the less.

My hope is that you all realize that you are God’s beautiful work of art. I wish to encourage all of us to strive to express to the world what a good and gracious God we serve. He loves and cares for us like the wonderful father He is. He has a plan for us. All of us. Let’s trust Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 in The Passion Translation says, “Here’s what Yahweh says to you: “I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.”

Thank you, Lord, for the plans that you have for my life. For the purpose that you have set before me. Help me Lord to stay out of your way and to fully trust and yield to the molding and shaping of my life to bring you honor. Thank you for the grace to be able to allow you to express yourself through me. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

May the Lord bless and keep you; make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.