In the Potter's Hands: Divine Sovereignty and Human Choice
August 1 - Thursday, Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Jer 18:1-6
Today, we hear one of those well-known passages of the Bible that has inspired many artists to create literary works, poetry, and songs. One such example is the popular worship song "The Potter's Hand" by Darlene Zschech, with its message of trust and surrender to God: "Take me, mold me, use me, fill me, I give my life to the Potter's hand."
This passage highlights God's sovereignty over Israel and humanity. But do we fully grasp its consequences? When God created the universe and humanity, all was very good. However, after the sin of Adam, humankind became spoiled and turned wicked (see Gen. 6:5). Consequently, God sent the flood and began anew with Noah. When God called Abraham, the great patriarch responded with the obedience of faith. Yet, his descendants eventually became spoiled and continually transgressed God's commandments. Therefore, God sent the Babylonians and promised a new covenant that would transform our wayward hearts.
A key difference exists between a potter and the clay he shapes, and the relationship between the Lord and humanity. Clay has no freedom of choice, but we do. It is somewhat unfortunate that our reading ends with verse 6, which says, "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel," giving the impression that Israel is like inanimate clay. However, the following verses clarify this potential misunderstanding. If God declared that a nation was going to be destroyed but its people repented, He would "relent of the disaster [He] intended to do to" (Jer. 18:7). Conversely, if God had prosperous plans for a nation but its citizens turned to evil, He would "relent of the good that [He] had intended to do to" (Jer. 18:8).
This message was intended for Israel, which presumed that being God's treasured possession among all the nations permitted them to act with impunity. Indeed, God had prosperous plans for Israel, but these were conditioned on their obedience to His will. Because they despised His commandments, punishment followed. However, the path to prosperity remained open, contingent on their repentance.
The message the Lord intended for Israel remains valid today. God has sovereign power over us, but we are not inanimate clay. We can choose between life and death, the obedience of faith, or following the willfulness of our hearts. The Israel of Jeremiah chose the latter and was uprooted, pulled down, and destroyed (see Jer. 18:7). What shall our choice be? The best decision is to place our lives in God's hands and allow Him to mold us according to the image and likeness of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.