Point of View: The Clay Pot

Perhaps one of my favorite analogies in the Old Testament of the Bible is from Jeremiah 18 in which God speaks to Jeremiah using the illustration of Himself as “The Potter” and His people as “The Clay.” Jeremiah was instructed to go down to the potter’s house nearby, after which God spoke to him regarding what He wanted to show him in the symbolism of a potter molding clay. “Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.” (Jer. 18: 3-4 NKJV) Another reference of “The Potter” and “The Clay,” although in a slightly different context, is found in the New Testament of the Bible stating, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” In other words, if we accept Jesus in our hearts and lives then He is the treasure in us as mortal men (i.e. earthen vessels representing our human flesh). “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:7, 16 NKJV)

One of my dear friends who lived in my neighborhood in Astoria, NY is a talented ceramicist. I would frequent her ceramic events and trade shows, purchase her unique work, and use the ceramics in my home for various purposes depending upon the item. On occasion, she gave me her rejected ceramics since the result was not as she envisioned to be suitable for resale. She needed to remake the design from scratch due to the clay not doing what she needed it to do or the glaze not setting properly during the firing process in the kiln. I adore these keepsakes she gave me for a number of reasons. First of all, I cherish them because she’s my dear friend and that alone holds value for me. Despite what she may have viewed as imperfections in the final outcome, I still love these pieces because the shapes, colors, and overall aesthetic are still beautiful in my eyes. Yet, I also regard these earthenware gifts as a special reminder to me of the above mentioned Biblical symbolism. Each time I view or use the items, I am pleasantly reminded of God’s mercy on humanity to work with our imperfections, remain faithful to see the beauty in each of us, and to maintain patient in allowing us chance after chance to remain pliable and moldable in giving our lives to Him.

Check out the prior post on Hazel is: Terracotta for design inspiration, but also consider adding a clay stoneware, cookware, or one of our Terra Cotta Planters here inside or outside of your home to serve as a reminder of these Biblical truths. The next time you see earthenware you may never see it in the same way. It’s all about your point of view.