(Verse 1)
Hey, I'm just an old chunk of coal
Black as night, hard as stone
But I'm gonna be a diamond someday
Gonna shine and glow, all alone
(Chorus)
'Cause I'm gonna grow and grow
Look you, I'm perfect
Someday, till I get rid of every single flaw
I'm gonna be the world's best friend, alright
(Verse 2)
I'm gonna grow, I wanna put a smile
On everybody's face every day
Hey, I'm just here, we go, you know
I'm gonna light up the night, hip hooray
(Chorus)
'Cause I'm gonna grow and grow
Look you, I'm perfect
Someday, till I get rid of every single flaw
I'm gonna be the world's best friend, alright
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The primary Bible passage that uses the imagery of a potter and clay to illustrate God's power over humanity is Jeremiah 18:1-10:
Jeremiah 18:1-10
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 1
3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.
4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
6 O house of Israel, 2 cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy 3 it;
8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto 4 them.
9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent 5 of the good, wherewith 6 I said I would benefit them.
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The historical context of Jeremiah 18:1-10 is during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah, around the 7th century BCE.
Judah was a small kingdom in the ancient Near East, and its people were facing significant challenges, including social injustice, religious corruption, and the threat of invasion from powerful empires like Babylon.
Jeremiah, the prophet, was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. In this particular passage, Jeremiah is instructed by God to go to the potter's house and observe the potter at work. The potter is shaping clay into various vessels, and if a vessel is marred, the potter can reshape it into something else.
God uses this imagery to illustrate His sovereignty over Judah. Just as the potter has the power to shape and reshape the clay, God has the power to shape and reshape the destiny of nations. He can choose to bless or to curse, to build up or to tear down, depending on the choices of His people.
The message of Jeremiah 18:1-10 is a reminder that God is in control, and He has the power to work all things together for His good purposes. While the people of Judah were facing difficult circumstances, there was still hope for them if they would turn from their sinful ways and trust in God.
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The spiritual implications of Jeremiah 18:1-10 are profound and far-reaching. Here are some of the key spiritual implications:
God's Sovereignty: The passage emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over human lives and nations. He is the ultimate potter, shaping and molding us according to His divine purpose.
Human Responsibility: While God is sovereign, humans are not mere puppets. We have the freedom to choose, and our choices have consequences. God can change His plans based on our responses to His word and His will.
God's Mercy and Grace: The potter's ability to reshape a marred vessel is a powerful image of God's mercy and grace. Even when we fail and sin, God is willing to forgive and restore us.
The Importance of Repentance: The passage teaches us the importance of repentance. If a nation or individual turns from their sin, God is willing to change His plans.
Hope for the Future: Despite the difficult circumstances faced by the people of Judah, the passage offers hope. God is ultimately in control, and He can bring about good even from the worst of situations.
In essence, Jeremiah 18:1-10 is a message of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that God is faithful, loving, and sovereign. We can trust in Him, even when life is difficult.
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Outline: The Potter and the Clay
I. Introduction
Brief overview of the passage (Jeremiah 18:1-10)
The historical context of Judah in the 7th century BCE
II. The Potter's Craft
The symbolic significance of pottery in ancient cultures
The process of pottery-making: shaping, firing, and finishing
The potter's ability to reshape marred vessels
III. God as the Potter
God's sovereignty over nations and individuals
The concept of God as the ultimate craftsman
The comparison between clay and humanity
God's ability to shape and reshape lives
IV. The Message for Judah
The consequences of disobedience and rebellion
The opportunity for repentance and restoration
The hope of a renewed future
V. The Message for Today
The relevance of the passage for contemporary believers
The need for humility and dependence on God
The assurance of God's transforming power
VI. Conclusion
Recapitulation of the main points
A call to trust in God's sovereign plan
A final thought on the enduring nature of God's Word
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## God's Sovereignty Over Nations and Individuals
**The Potter's Hands**
The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and individuals. Just as a potter has complete control over the shape and form of a clay vessel, God has ultimate authority over the course of human history and the lives of each person.
**Key Biblical Passages:**
* **Jeremiah 18:1-10:** This passage provides a vivid picture of God's sovereignty. The potter can reshape a marred vessel, and God can similarly reshape the lives of individuals and nations.
* **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."
* **Romans 9:20-21:** "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Does not the potter have the right over the clay, to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for noble purposes and another for ordinary purposes?"
**Implications of God's Sovereignty:**
1. **Comfort in Uncertainty:** Knowing that God is in control can bring comfort during times of uncertainty and difficulty.
2. **Humility and Dependence:** Recognizing God's sovereignty leads to humility and dependence on Him.
3. **Hope for Transformation:** God can reshape lives, even those that seem irreparably damaged.
4. **Submission to God's Will:** True faith involves submitting to God's will, even when it doesn't align with our own desires.
5. **Responsibility for Our Choices:** While God is sovereign, humans are responsible for their choices. Our choices impact our lives and the lives of others.
**Practical Application:**
* **Prayer:** Pray for God's guidance and direction in your life.
* **Trust:** Trust in God's plan, even when you don't understand it.
* **Obedience:** Obey God's commands and follow His leading.
* **Hope:** Maintain hope in God's promises, even in difficult times.
By understanding and embracing God's sovereignty, we can live with greater peace, purpose, and hope.
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Romans 9:20-21.
20 “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Shall what is formed say to its former, ‘Why did you make me like this?’”
21 Does not the potter have the right over the clay to make out of the same lump of clay one vessel for noble purposes and another for ordinary purposes?
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