What It Means To Be The Clay
Tonight I want to look into the 64th chapter of isaiah
Isaiah 64:1 - 12
1
Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,2
As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!3
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.4
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.5
Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.7
And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.8
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.9
Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people.10
Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.11
Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.12
Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?Sometimes it seems like it is time for God to get it done - 1
He has the strength or power
He is so mighty
He has done great things in the past
Man does not heed - 4
They listen not to His Word
They see not His greatness
They see not His blessings around the corner
Basically, man does not get it
They miss His plan completely -
His blessings awaits His own - 5a
We don't even come close
We are sinners - unclean, infected, yuck
We are dirty sinners - filthy rags - something you would not use, would hide
We are distanced sinners - iniquities taken us away from God - like the leaves blown against some fence
None really get it
None call upon His name - set in ways, self-sufficient
None senses the need - sin soaked, or drunken in sin
None let go of their sins and call upon God
We have no other place or one to turn
God is our chance - our potter
God should be our choice - O LORD
God's cities are deserted - by our sins?
We turn to the Lord
We are yours - our Father
His that can be changed - we are the clay
One that can help us - Our Potter
One that can make the difference - when we are on his wheel
Before I close I want to think more about the picture of…
When God is our potter
We are His
Let's be honest…
We are nothing
Understand…
We are the basics - we are clay, where God finds us
We are not pretty
We are not clean
We are not able to stand on our own
We cannot even get on the table without Him
We cannot get off the table without Him
We can't get into the fire without Him
We cannot be usable without His touch
After He is done with us we can be used
Okay that is not enough, what do we say to God?
Mold me Make me us me
I want to share a poem I found, Author Unknown
~I AM THE CLAY~
The Chosen Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use; on the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one, I'm shiny and bright, I'm of great value and I do things right. My beauty and luster will outshine the rest and for someone like you, Master, gold would be the best!
The Master passed on with no words at all; He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall; I'll serve you, dear Master, I'll pour out your wine, and I'll be at your table whenever you dine, My lines are so graceful, My carvings so true, and My silver will always compliment you.
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass, It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass. Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do, place me on your table for all men to view.
Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear, My transparency shows My contents so dear, though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride, and I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide.
The Master came next to a vessel of wood, polished and carved, It solidly stood. You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said, but I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for bread.
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay, empty and broken it helplessly lay. No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose, to cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use. Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find, I will mend and use it and make it all mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self; Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf; Nor the one who is big mouthed and hallow and loud; Nor one who displays His contents so proud; Not the one who thinks He can do all things just right; But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay. Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day. Spoke to it kindly. There's work you must do, just pour out to others as I pour into you.
~~Author Unknown~~
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 120207pm