The Rest of the Story … Part 2
October 28 Jeremiah 51:54-52:34
Object Lessons That Demand Obedience
The Rest of the Story…(Part 2)
Like Paul Harvey, God uses object lessons, the art of dramatic “PAUSE”, and “A Staccato Cadence” to gain our attention.
Throughout the book of Jeremiah God used VISUALS that were part of the people’s lives to get their attention. His messages used familiar objects used in their everyday lives.
Images of almond rods, drought, a potter’s vessel, baskets of figs, vineyards, fields, and stones were all a part of their ordinary life. But, God attached extraordinary messages to these objects to help them see the bigger picture of HIS role and their obedience.
Yesterday we talked about Jeremiah and Isaiah’s plot as HIS messengers. We often seem to misread the famous passage of Jeremiah 29:11-14 and somehow we insert that God’s plan will mean that all of “MY PLANS and DREAMS” will come true.
Why? Because God would never INTEND to hurt me. Right?
This misunderstanding is at the source of disillusionment in the hearts of many people against God. If God doesn’t heal someone and they suffer for a long time, they often quote this verse. God promised that He would NOT intend to hurt me and look at what happened to me and my loved one. They then contend that God did not keep HIS promises.
On the other hand, we have "healers" who tell the suffering person, “If you REALLY BELIEVE you WOULD be healed.”
Who is at fault… the sick person, faith healer, or God?
The problem is… What are GOD’S PLANS?
He says, “I know the PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU.”
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will see me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Do you remember Jeremiah’s calling and first vision?
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1: 5) “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I am too young!” (1:6)
The Lord replied to Jeremiah and told him, “Don't say, ‘I’m too young, for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you.” (1:7-8)
Then God touched his mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth!” (1:9)
What was God’s plan to “prosper and not to harm, giving him hope and a future” for Jeremiah?
It was a loincloth, being thrown into a muddy cistern, being imprisoned, and living on the edge proclaiming a message of judgment to an unrepentant rebellious people. His plan for Jeremiah was for him to be a true prophet in the midst of false prophets.
Was it pleasant? Not in the least!!
The Potter and the Clay is another powerful illustration in the book of Jeremiah. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel…” (Jer. 18)
As Jeremiah watched he observed “a flaw” in the vessel that the potter was making “as it seemed best to him”.
Who is the clay to say to the Potter, "I don’t like how you have created me or the purpose that you have designed me for?"…
Why would God create us with “flaws” as part of HIS plan?
I don’t know about you but I have learned more through “broken pots of clay” than I have learned from any exquisite china!
One such “broken pot” is the amazing Joni Eareckson Tada. Her ministry has changed my life and ministered to my family. Not only have we attended her family camps for many years but we have had the privilege to chat with her and her husband, Ken. He bought Chelsea and me a cool soda on a warm afternoon and we sat and chatted for a while.
People often ask, “Why did God allow her to break her neck as a young woman in a diving accident”? “Why didn’t God heal her?”
The question we ought to ask is “What joy will there be in Heaven on the day that we are all united and there are people from every nation who worship in God’s presence because of that one woman who has completely given her brokenness over to God?”
She is one AWESOME BROKEN POT sitting in her wheelchair!
Marred by the Potter’s hand she paints, sings, writes, talks, and shares the HOPE of God for His great glory.
Did God INTEND to hurt her or was her injury a tool so that she could paint on a much larger worldwide canvas?? On the contrary, she is one of the finest works that ever came out of his loving hand!
We ask questions like that because we cannot begin to comprehend time and eternity. All we know is "temporal time".
“But now, O Lord you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)
The message of the Potter and the Clay resounds throughout the Bible about 85 times! Jeremiah was “one cracked pot” and God used HIM mightily!
What about you? Are you bitter and complaining or letting the living water ooze out of all your assorted cracks?
Broken Pots are part of God's greatest glory...And Know You Know the Rest of the Story!
