July 25th

July 25th

Well then, you might say, "Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven't they simply done what he makes them do?" No, don't say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, "Why have you made me like this?" When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn't he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. (‭Romans‬ ‭9‬:‭19-23‬ NLT)

I thought this was an interesting passage. We have the image of God as the master potter, creating beautiful things out of clay. But Paul points out that on that same Potter's wheel, and using the same clay, there are instruments made for lesser purposes. God hasn't made us all the same. I adore pottery. Apryl and I have begun collecting it, replacing all of our glassware (coffee cups and serving trays, casserole dishes and pie plates) with pottery that we find. There are different things that we like more than others, but one thing we have noticed is that nothing is perfectly the same. My friend's wife is a potter, and we have a serving dish that she made. The design and detail is amazing. But one of the coolest things about this piece is that on the brim, in the decorative design that she made, is her fingerprints. The fingerprints of the creator of this dish are permanently cast into it. In the same way, we, who are formed by the hands of the Master Potter, have the fingerprints of God cast into our very being. I like this statement that Paul makes, 'Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, "Why have you made me like this?".' And the reason I like it, is that I ask that same question all the time. I am constantly comparing myself to others, looking at their traits that I wish lived in me, and asking God "why?" This is and unhealthy road to go down, and it doesn't achieve anything for His kingdom work. God has made each and every person for a task in His kingdom, and they are not all going to be glorious jobs (after all, someone needs to clean toilets!), but they all have purpose. The best thing we can do is find out what purpose God made us with, and do that to the best of our ability. God is the Master Potter and His fingerprints permanently cast in you!