Submit to the hand of the Master
The raw clay is brought to life in the potter’s hand.
Before it was without form, feelings or direction.
With loving caresses and the water that gives new life,
A form begins to take shape.
Soon a beautiful vessel is standing there on the wheel.
The clay is so proud of its new shape.
Impatient to remain in this form the vessel tries to drive too fast, causing tiny surface cracks to appear.
The Master potter returns and with tender loving touches, repairs all the tiny imperfections and cracks.
Still unable to hold any substance, the vessel stood afraid to face the kiln.
The Master picked up the vessel and placed it in the test of fire.
“Don’t be afraid, trust me and know I am here to take you from the firing before you are damaged,
If you resist the fire you will break never knowing your true strength, or the shine that lies beneath the surface.”
The vessel heeded the words of the Master potter and gave up its will to the heat, knowing He was on hand ready to remove the vessel when the time was right.
Others in the kiln didn’t listen; fighting the test they shattered, now they will never be of any use.
After the fire died down, and the healing cooling process was over, the Master remove the vessel from the kiln.
What a thrill to be filled by the Master.
To finally be able to pour out to others what the Master gave.
In the reflection of the Potter’s eye the vessel could see its new shine and beauty.
Those who remained in the kiln, broken and useless, were taken out, ground into dust and cast into the wind.
The vessel was so happy it trusted the Master and surrendered its will to the Master’s hand and testing.
Through it, the vessel became strong, beautiful and able to hold and give refreshment for others.
By Joyce Lambert
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
II Timothy 2:21
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Isaiah 64:8