Lent 4, Wednesday (Day 29)
Jeremiah 18:1-11
I can't believe it! Another glimmer of hope from Mr. Grumpy! This is one of the most beautiful images: the potter and the clay. I've heard (and sung) about the metaphor so many times that I never really paid attention. Yes, the potter forms the clay, but in this passage it states specifically, "The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him." So, not only does the potter create, he/she can take something that appears to be ruined and make it like new, make it work. Of course, Jeremiah can't be all good news; he is talking, after all, about conditional love. I understand that we have duties and responsibilities and obligations--good relationships take a lot of work. But the amazing thing about God is that through Jesus we can tap into God's UNconditional love. We don't deserve it, and that's precisely the reason why it's so special, so incredible. If we deserved it it wouldn't be as meaningful.
John 6:27-40
Another golden nugget revelation! I've heard the phrase Jesus is the Bread of life many times. But I never compared this image to the manna in the wilderness. When the Israelites were complaining about their living conditions in the desert and wishing they were back in Egypt, God sent manna to come and satisfy their hunger. Jesus is the manna God has sent to us in the wilderness we call life. There will always be temptations and struggles, but God has given us Bread for spiritual nourishment, food for the journey. Thanks be to God!
I can't believe it! Another glimmer of hope from Mr. Grumpy! This is one of the most beautiful images: the potter and the clay. I've heard (and sung) about the metaphor so many times that I never really paid attention. Yes, the potter forms the clay, but in this passage it states specifically, "The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him." So, not only does the potter create, he/she can take something that appears to be ruined and make it like new, make it work. Of course, Jeremiah can't be all good news; he is talking, after all, about conditional love. I understand that we have duties and responsibilities and obligations--good relationships take a lot of work. But the amazing thing about God is that through Jesus we can tap into God's UNconditional love. We don't deserve it, and that's precisely the reason why it's so special, so incredible. If we deserved it it wouldn't be as meaningful.
John 6:27-40
Another golden nugget revelation! I've heard the phrase Jesus is the Bread of life many times. But I never compared this image to the manna in the wilderness. When the Israelites were complaining about their living conditions in the desert and wishing they were back in Egypt, God sent manna to come and satisfy their hunger. Jesus is the manna God has sent to us in the wilderness we call life. There will always be temptations and struggles, but God has given us Bread for spiritual nourishment, food for the journey. Thanks be to God!