Potter and the Clay

When a potter's skilled hands shape a delicate lid like this photo, the clay is very soft and responds quickly to his gentle touch.   Scripture talks about the potter and the clay but when we hear it from the pulpit we don't get the same picture as watching how messy and dirty the potter gets as he molds his vessel into a beautiful, useful object.

Also watching the clay quickly comply to his hand is a picture of obedience worth noting.  Clay that is too hard often flies apart on the wheel or easily goes off center.
Clay that is too soft sags.

Another picture we need to imprint in our minds is a smile on the face of the potter as he admires his finished piece.  How God must beam as we obey.