Jeremiah tells of the vessel of clay which was marred in the hand of the potter (18:4); so he made it again, another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. The Lord said, “cannot I do with you as this potter, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine”. (Romans 9:21) “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another into dishonor?” From the same lump of clay the potter creates a beautiful vase for display in the parlor, and a chamber pot to hide under the bed. Have you given much thought to your role in life, what you are and what you ought to be?
God has given each of us different roles, talents and abilities. Jesus said, without me you can do nothing. Remember this when someone compliments you. It’s like complimenting the tool instead of the craftsman. Would you look at a finely built house and talk about what a good job was done by the hammer, or listen to a smooth running engine and brag on the socket set? Likewise, we’re just a tool in the Master’s hand.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of an ass. It was first told by the prophet Zechariah(9:9) over 400 years before the birth of Christ, and subsequently by Matthew(21:7), Mark(11:7), Luke(19:35) and John(12:14). A very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved saying; who is this? And the multitude said this is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. It must have been some sight, the garments and branches in the road, the multitudes, the shouting, cries of Hosanna, the whole city was moved.
It was no doubt a great honor for the little donkey to carry the Son of God into Jerusalem, but it would have been a gross mistake for him to have thought the shouting and celebrating was for him. When you’re complimented for presenting or representing our Saviour to the world, remember it’s not about you, like me, you’re still just the jackass.
God has given each of us different roles, talents and abilities. Jesus said, without me you can do nothing. Remember this when someone compliments you. It’s like complimenting the tool instead of the craftsman. Would you look at a finely built house and talk about what a good job was done by the hammer, or listen to a smooth running engine and brag on the socket set? Likewise, we’re just a tool in the Master’s hand.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of an ass. It was first told by the prophet Zechariah(9:9) over 400 years before the birth of Christ, and subsequently by Matthew(21:7), Mark(11:7), Luke(19:35) and John(12:14). A very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved saying; who is this? And the multitude said this is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. It must have been some sight, the garments and branches in the road, the multitudes, the shouting, cries of Hosanna, the whole city was moved.
It was no doubt a great honor for the little donkey to carry the Son of God into Jerusalem, but it would have been a gross mistake for him to have thought the shouting and celebrating was for him. When you’re complimented for presenting or representing our Saviour to the world, remember it’s not about you, like me, you’re still just the jackass.
No comments:
Post a Comment