Occasionally, God providentially arranges life's events to provide clarity in what He is teaching. It's not that we ever get to know the full spectrum of His work, but sometimes He makes clear that 'this' is the lesson of the moment. Two weeks ago, I began reading a short devotional book called God's Glory in Clay Pots by Les Ollila and Sam Horn (audio here). I virtually never read devotionals, and I don't even know how I came across this one, but it immediately began feeding my soul with the truths of the great Potter's loving care which brings difficulty for the preparing and shaping and beautifying of the pot, while displaying the glory of the Potter.
Then, last Sunday our pastor preached on Job and how every difficulty Job faced were designed to teach him more of God and how to worship Him for who He is in, not simply for what He gives. Friday morning, I finished the book in thankfulness for a Potter who would dirty His hands with clay. We live where most people cannot imagine a Lord who would stoop in humility to become clay like us. Friday night, probably about 5AM a hose burst under the kitchen sink; and close to 6, we found that out, by stepping in water as we got out of bed. So, yesterday was scrambled. Many tokens of love were evident throughout the day, both divine and human - neighbors and friends who served us far beyond our expectation.
And then, tonight, I was reading in John 11... Lazarus is sick, and it says that when Jesus knew that He stayed away because He loved them. This is right after He has commented that this sickness is for God's glory. And, these themes run through the chapter: God's glory and God's love call for the same (in)action here - Jesus stays away! And immediately the burst hose and the extra pressures that that brings come to mind: it's not like we didn't talk about those shaping, pressuring Divine Hands yesterday, but a point is pressed home - our pipes only burst under loving pressure. That wasn't simply rubber breaking - another lump in the clay is being worked out, or maybe lots of lumps in lots of pieces of clay, but certainly in this one.
And the reason? So, that the Treasure that's hidden inside will be able to be revealed. The pottery is not that impressive; the Treasure inside... awesome! incredible! And amazingly, the pottery will become more beautiful at the same time it glorifies the Potter better! God's love for us and His seeking His own glory are incredibly displayed together in the image of the Potter. (I highly recommend the book because it weaves together the many Potter-vessel images in Scripture so beautifully.)
The truths of the song rang sweetly again today as we sang them... "Blessed be your name in a land that is plentiful... when the world's all as it should be... when I walk in the desert place... when the darkness closes in... Blessed be your name!"
