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Jul 03, 2023 18:30pm

The Potter and the Clay

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One of our favorite stops at Silver Dollar City is the Hillcreek Pottery store. They have some beautiful pieces, and if you get there at the right time, you can catch them doing a live demonstration.

The potter sits behind the wheel and plops his clump of clay onto it. He begins spinning the wheel and working his fingers through the clay, adding water to keep it workable. He explains his actions as he moves up and down and around the clay as it begins to take shape. Pretty soon, you realize he’s making a large pitcher and you can’t wait to see what it looks like when he’s finished.

His fingers move carefully along the top of the clay to create a perfectly shaped rim with a little curvature, perfect for pouring.

The wheel stops.

The newly formed pitcher sits on the wheel.

But even with all that work, it’s not ready for use yet. The potter fires up the the kiln, making sure it’s hot enough, and the pitcher goes in.

Through the fire, the clay is hardened, giving the potter a beautiful piece that can be useful for many days ahead.

And what comes out is one of the most beautiful pieces we’ve seen.

In our study, we’ve been following the life of Jesus Christ. He has just shown us an example to follow as He was baptized by John. Not for remission of sins, but as a public announcement that proclaims He is obeying the will of God. Whatever God has in store for Jesus, He will do. What a beautiful moment! Do you remember the time you made that profession of faith public? It’s like being on a mountain top and shouting victory! You’re on fire for the Lord and nothing stands in your way!

Except, where are you now? Are you still on that mountain top?

As Jesus leaves the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit leads Him to the wilderness. He’s alone. No food. No water. And it’s all part of God’s will.

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.”
Luke 4:1-13

Why would God allow Jesus to go through this testing?

God was preparing Him to be used in a powerful way. Jesus, the Son of God, was still a man. God allowed Him to go through this time of testing, this fire, because there would be even more ahead. Jesus could only withstand the temptations of the devil because of God’s strength. Notice how He responded to every temptation Satan threw at Him.

With the very Word of God.

This is the weapon we have, our sword for battle. Through God’s word, we are reminded of His love, protection, and promise to brings us through the fire, stronger and more useful than before.

This was the start of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Allow God to teach you – to mold and shape you- and when the fire comes, you’ll know God’s getting ready to use you. Rely on Him and His truth, a solid foundation, to get you through.

And what comes out will be one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever seen.