Скачать или смотреть The Potter's Clay Excerpt - Edward Kennedy

The "potter" and "clay" imagery is a powerful metaphor used by prophets and apostles to illustrate the sovereignty of God and humanity's dependence on Him. Key verses include Isaiah 64:8, where the psalmist declares, "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," and Romans 9:20-21, where Paul asks, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?".
Jeremiah 18:4-6 (KJV): The prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to go to the potter's house and observe how the potter works with clay on the wheel. When a vessel is marred, the potter makes it into a new vessel, demonstrating that God, as the divine Potter, can do the same with the "house of Israel".
Isaiah 29:16 (KJV): This verse critiques those who challenge God, asking, "Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?".
Isaiah 64:8 (KJV): "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". This highlights our identity as God's creation.
Romans 9:20-21 (KJV): Paul uses the analogy to assert God's absolute right and power to determine the purpose and destiny of individuals, just as a potter decides the function of different vessels made from the same lump of clay.
Isaiah 45:9
“Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?”
Divine Sovereignty: God is the ultimate Creator and Master, having complete authority and right to shape humanity according to His will.
Humanity as Created Beings:
Humans are like clay in God's hands, a creation that is dependent on the Creator for its form and purpose.
Submission and Humility:
The verses call for humility and submission from people to God, recognizing that they are not in a position to question or challenge their Maker's plans or intentions.
Purpose and Design:
God, the Potter, shapes His creations (clay) for different purposes, making some "vessels of honor" and others "vessels of wrath," illustrating His sovereign choice and the diversity of His designs.

The DENVER International Missionary Society Seventh-day Adventist Reform Church