You Are Our Potter
Isaiah 64:8: "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 never gave up hope for his people. He continued to beseech the Father to draw the people back to himself. Isaiah reminded the Lord of who the Israelites were to him - his chosen and set apart people. They were fashioned by him and for him, fashioned to display his glory to the nations.
Isaiah trusted in the Lord as a child would trust his father. Beyond this analogy is Isaiah's understanding that the Lord was the perfect Father and the creator Father. The Father of Israel was in control. He could shape events, people, and even hearts. Isaiah's great hope was that the potter would refashion his clay, that the nation of Israel would be renewed in the love of the Lord and obedience to the Lord, and then that the Lord would be present and glorified through his people. As best as Isaiah could, he rendered himself and the nation of Israel unto the Lord: here we are Lord, do with us what only you can do.
Israel was tough clay. Their hearts became hard because of sin. What about us? Do we surrender ourselves to the hands of the potter? Do we ask him to shape us according to his plan, or do we harden ourselves in rebellion, unbelief, and selfishness?
The Lord's hands are perfect hands; they know our frame intricately, and they are led by love and a sovereign purpose. May we emulate the prayer of Isaiah today and ask the Lord to fashion us in his mold, his plan, and his purpose.
Reflection:
How is your heart doing? Can you take some time today to ask the Lord to soften you towards his work and his plan?
Isaiah never gave up hope for his people. He continued to beseech the Father to draw the people back to himself. Isaiah reminded the Lord of who the Israelites were to him - his chosen and set apart people. They were fashioned by him and for him, fashioned to display his glory to the nations.
Isaiah trusted in the Lord as a child would trust his father. Beyond this analogy is Isaiah's understanding that the Lord was the perfect Father and the creator Father. The Father of Israel was in control. He could shape events, people, and even hearts. Isaiah's great hope was that the potter would refashion his clay, that the nation of Israel would be renewed in the love of the Lord and obedience to the Lord, and then that the Lord would be present and glorified through his people. As best as Isaiah could, he rendered himself and the nation of Israel unto the Lord: here we are Lord, do with us what only you can do.
Israel was tough clay. Their hearts became hard because of sin. What about us? Do we surrender ourselves to the hands of the potter? Do we ask him to shape us according to his plan, or do we harden ourselves in rebellion, unbelief, and selfishness?
The Lord's hands are perfect hands; they know our frame intricately, and they are led by love and a sovereign purpose. May we emulate the prayer of Isaiah today and ask the Lord to fashion us in his mold, his plan, and his purpose.
Reflection:
How is your heart doing? Can you take some time today to ask the Lord to soften you towards his work and his plan?
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