As some of you may know I have discovered a new hobby. I have in recent years become a potter. I am still learning, and whether I am any good at it is questionable. What is unquestionable is the joy, peace and contentment I receive while engaged in this new activity.

The scriptures are full of references to clay, and is it any wonder? In the days of the Old Testament they only had one kind of container that served a multitude of purposes: clay jars. Different size jars and pots perhaps but all made of the same stuff — dirt (clay) and water.

Scripture highlights how the relationship between the potter and the clay resembles our relationship with God. Before we know God, we are like a pile of unmolded clay. When we yield to God’s leading, God gives our life value and purpose, the same way a potter gives clay value and purpose.

But there is another reference to clay that peeked my interest. In John chapter 9 Jesus passed by a blind man who was blind from birth.

The disciples asked Jesus, “who sinned, this man or his parents?”

Jesus answered, “neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the word of God might be made visible through him.”

Jesus bent down and picked up a bit of clay at his feet, spit on it and smeared the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Jesus then told him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. So he did and came back able to see!

We are like clay — in our original state we are lifeless, helpless, useless, maybe even hopeless. But in the hands of God we are transformed, given purpose and value and moreover we can be used by God to do extraordinary things!

We are the clay, God is the Potter. Allow God to work in you, on you and through you!

Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 64:8