THE POTTER’S PERCEPTION

For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust – Psalm 103:14

The Potter knows the clay inside-out. He understands everything about the origin and nature of the clay. The Potter knows the imperfection and limitations of the clay. Our eternal Potter knows our frame, for He originally formed and framed us by Himself (Psa.103:14). Nothing in or about the clay is hidden from the Potter: “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his goings” (Pro.5:21). “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Pro.15:3). Hebrews 4:13 says, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

It’s because of this unique perception of the Potter that He does not disqualify the clay because of its imperfections. Rather, He processes the clay to become qualified “by grace”! We therefore cannot come to the Potter on the basis of our self-righteousness or try to present our ‘perfections’ – “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isa.64:6). The New Testament puts it like this: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor.10:12).

Moreover, the Potter has a design and plan for the clay. He has a clear Vision of what He intends the clay to become. With His hand resting on the vessel, the Potter knows instantly when a problem arises or where a defect is hiding: “For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps” (Job 34:21). He senses the changes in the clay and begins taking whatever steps are necessary to correct every error. He sees beyond the imperfections of the clay. He perceives the potential in the clay and never gives up on it.

Beloved, the eternal Potter’s Perception concerning you is absolutely positive. He says: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer.29:11). He will never leave nor forsake you. You are precious in His sight. He will never give up on you. You will never become an abandoned project. What’s your response? Will you submit to the transforming Hand of Grace? Paul the Apostle, once the persecutor – Saul of Tarsus – said: “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace toward me was not in vain…” (1Cor.15:10).