The Potter’s House

“Go down at once to the potter’s house; there I will reveal my words to you.” (Jer 18:1) These are words once given by God to a prophet named Jeremiah. It was necessary for Jeremiah to act on them in order to know the next step he was to take in a very important mission God had selected for him to carry out.

Jeremiah did just as the Lord had instructed and once he arrived at the potter’s house and watched what the potter was doing, he received a vivid illustration for a message God wanted to deliver to His people Israel through him.

I have often been asked the question, “How can I know what God wants me to do?” I have to admit I wanted to reply with, “Go down to the potter’s house.” But I realize that would make no sense to most people.

For me the potter’s house represents getting in the presence of God by reading the Bible and drawing from it His desires for my life, and then once having done that begin to pray for the particular details and steps for application. How can I ever know the details of His incredible plans for me if I spend most my time in other places and looking at other sources? Can God speak through anything? Of course He can, He even used a donkey once, but if I know where He abides, shouldn’t I be seeking Him there?

My earthly father lives in Louisville, Kentucky. I have always enjoyed hearing stories about his life. When I am talking to other family members I ask how he is doing or enjoy hearing them tell me what he’s been up to recently, but what I love most is being in his presence, hanging out with him, and getting information directly from the source.

God has given us the opportunity to learn more about Him, what He desires for us, and the details of how to live the best earth life possible. We can learn about Him from others, visit dozens of other places and sources to get a bit of information here and there, nothing wrong with that, unless it’s a substitute for going to His house, the place where He abides.

We can see movies about God, read novels about God, hear the experiences of others and what they think about God, or we can seek His presence and live our own experience with Him.

There is a potter’s house for each of us, and there we will hear from the Lord, but we have to make the effort to get there.

Significance

Have you ever been part of a late night conversation about what’s significant in life? I have several times. Conversations around a table with empty coffee cups and half filled water glasses, napkins scribbled with a word here and there or a rough drawing to illustrate something.
Conversations where the subject of what really matters in life is being seriously considered and attempted to be better defined.

For the older ones around the table the comments are often reminiscent in nature and about how to best use the time left. For the younger it’s fulfilling dreams, avoiding pitfalls, and what will make a difference in the world?

For me significance is a pretty deep word, and it probably should be for all of us. Start asking friends and acquaintances about what is significant and you discover varying answers.

My hope is that deep in all our hearts most want to do the things in life that will contribute to helping others and to see them connect with the Giver of Life. There may be varying answers, but I can give you at least one significant thing to do today if you’re not already involved in something truly significant for the day.

The little girl in the picture is Matha Balita, she lives in Uganda and wants to attend school, but her parents have no work and cannot afford for her to go. Prayer matters and can be significant to this little girls future, please pray for her.