I. Introduction

When we embark on a new project or endeavor, we know that it is important to think about its purpose, our capabilities, the potential need for assistance or resources, and the long-term usefulness of the project. When we build something, or sew a garment, anything that takes some doing, we must be aware of what it will take to create and to finish the project. Sometimes we must dismantle the project and start over again, until we are satisfied with the outcome.

II. I am the Potter; you are the clay.

The potter in the Book of Jeremiah was busy creating vessels for a specific purpose. Pottery making was a common activity in the Near East, and like Jesus in the New Testament, Yahweh approached the prophets of the time using daily life examples to illustrate God's purpose and lessons for the people of Judah and Israel. Jeremiah obeyed God's instruction to go to the potter's house to observe his work. There he saw the potter dismantle the vessel he was busy with, and reshaped it into another pot, to suit his needs. Something must have gone wrong with the clay as he was working with it, and discarded that project, because it wasn't good enough for what he wanted. As he was watching this situation, Yahweh spoke to him with these words, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as the potter does? Like the clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand." The passage continues where God declares that any nation or kingdom that does not repent from its evil ways, God will uproot it, tear it down and destroy it. But, if they repent from their evil ways, God will consider not inflicting any harm upon them. Jeremiah lived in the period before the Babylonian Exile, to preach of the doom and destruction that will befall Israel, because of the moral decline of its people. If they do not repent, they will be taken into exile by Babylon, which in fact, did happen. Jeremiah was arrested for his outspokenness, but was allowed to stay, while many of the city's inhabitants were deported. Israel was not willing to be the clay in God's hand, as God required from them. They were given the opportunity to journey with God, to be protected, to be shaped according to God's will for them. They could be the clay, and God the Potter, helping, providing, and giving them shelter. They refused.

In Luke, Jesus speaks to the crowds who followed Him about what true discipleship means, that it has to do with self-sacrifice, making the choice for God, the better choice, even a better choice than one's own family. When the call comes to do what God wants us to do, the choice is clear that the way of God comes first. This is not an easy choice to make, but it is a choice our Almighty God places upon us, and when we say yes, we are being shaped for the purpose we are called to fulfil. It is a journey that puts God always first before anything else. It is about carrying our cross, even when it is challenging sometimes. God needs disciples who are morally strong to carry out the message and will of God during good times and not so good. And if we lack the strength, God will be the Potter and we are the clay, being shaped and strengthened to fulfil our purpose in this life.

III. Conclusion

To follow Christ, therefore, means we must be aware of the cost involved being a disciple. In the same way we create our projects and understand what it will take to build and finish it, we need to know what it will take to follow Christ, what we are called to do. Our calling is very personal and specific. If we still our minds and hearts and souls, God's Spirit speaks to us. We must therefore spend time with God to discern our calling and assess our readiness to fulfill it. When we say yes, we also say yes to our Almighty God, the Potter of our lives, Who will shape and strengthen us to do God's will on this earth. May God help us to always be on this journey as the clay, pliable and willing to go where we are called to, and to do what we are called to do. May God help us to repent and put us back on the road of forgiveness and peace. May God help us to bring and show the divine message of love, compassion, healing and reconciliation to our loved ones, our neighborhoods, and into the wider world. Amen.