The Potter and the Clay

 Scripture:  Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18  •  Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Psalm 1  •  Philemon 1:1-1:21  • Luke 14:25-33

This week we have images of artistry and sacrifice, and learn more about the nature of God and ourselves, and our relationship with God and each other. Is God a controlling master, dispassionate, unchanging and without regard to the clay, or the "condition" of the clay?  What is the relationship between this potter and the clay? Between the God who knows our innermost being and us in the poetry of the psalmist? Between master and slave in Paul's letter to Philemon? Are we really supposed to hate our family, give up all our possessions, and carry a cross?  What is going on here?

For thought and discussion consider Dr. Bruce Epperly's "Sacrifice and Artistry: Human and Divine," and Debie Thomas' "What It Will Cost You."

For a reflection on the life of Frederick Buechner and Psalm 139, read Dan Clendenin's Listen to Your Life .