We all have plans and dreams in our lives and we do everything possible to achieve those dreams. Sometimes we do succeed in achieving our goals and whenever we fail to attain what we dream, we blame others or blame ourselves. One of the important lessons that the Bible teaches is that God has His own will and plan for each one of us. All that we need to do is to know His plan and cooperate with Him in order to see that His perfect will is fulfilled in our lives. The thought for our reflection this morning is, “Our God is the Potter and He has the Right to do Whatever He Wishes with the Clay”
The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb … one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger”
(Genesis 25:23).
It is quite normal to expect an older son to lead his younger brother. But God said that in the case of Rebekah’s children, the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob). In real life, it is quite natural that when a younger person tries to assert himself over an older person, there would conflict. And that’s what we see God predicting regarding Esau and Jacob’s future. This reveals that:
1. God chooses individuals and works in ways that no one can ever presume His way.
By predicting that the older will serve the younger, God revealed that Jacob, the younger brother, would play a more significant role than Esau, the older brother in the development of Abraham’s family line. We really do not have an answer to the question why God chose Jacob to play that significant role. Did not God choose young David instead of King Saul to defeat Goliath? Are we troubled whenever we see those who are younger than us holding positions of leadership and authority?
2. God’s choice is not determined by man’s good works but by His divine will.
God did not choose Jacob on the basis of anything good in his life. But God wanted to show that as God, He had the right to choose anyone to achieve His divine plan. Here we are reminded of what Apostle Paul says regarding God’s choices and election. He says,
“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
(Romans 9:21)
In Jeremiah we read
“Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”
(Jeremiah 18:6)
Often we see ourselves more as the potter than the clay. But let’s realize the fact that we are literally nothing but clay in the Master Potter’s hands. Let’s pray.
“Dear God, forgive us for trying to play the role of the potter in our lives. We come with all humility before you this morning and surrender ourselves to always remain as clay in your hands. We want to be wherever you want us to be. Help us to yield ourselves totally into hands that you may fulfill your divine will in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,... Amen!”