Amy Kelley, Dir. of Program Ministries, Gethsemane

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (CEB)
1 Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: 2 Go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you instructions about what to do there. 3 So I went down to the potter’s house; he was working on the potter’s wheel. 4 But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him. 5 Then the Lord’s word came to me: 6 House of Israel, can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel!

Reflection:
Have you ever been invited to a party and just didn’t want to go? You think up excuses like “I’ve got to work” or “I don’t have anyone to watch the kids.” But when you finally talk yourself into going, you actually have a great time? What about that one more meeting added to your day that you wish you could bow out of, but you know you need to attend? Then it turns out to be productive or inspiring and you are glad you showed up? Or one of my biggest struggles is showing up for myself in the form of working out and self-care. But once I get that exercise in, I am so thankful I did it and I feel great!

Often, we read and talk about this scripture, we focus on the amazing fact that God loves us enough, flaws and all, to not give up or forsake us. God wants to hold us. God wants the best for us. The other part we focus on is that God not only holds us, but God molds us into the creations we are called to be. God continues to shape us into Christ’s likeness. That is an image of love, forgiveness, peace, kindness.

But before God can HOLD us and MOLD us, God needs to HAVE us. This reminds me of when announcements are made, or a speaker is about the talk and they say, “May I have your attention, please?” God wants to HAVE our attention. Verses 1-3 are the key to us being held and molded by God. We need to give God our attention, our time, our ears, our hearts. Jeremiah first received God’s word because God had his attention. For us to receive God’s instructions, we need to GIVE God our attention. I have to admit my life used to be very loud, which often drowned out the voice of God. Work. Backward priorities. Busyness. I’m sure I’m not alone in that struggle. But the last few years, I’ve really worked hard on giving God my attention as much as I can. Every hour. Verses 2-3, can be summarized into “Go, so I went.” To GO means to pray, serve, share, give, teach, learn, follow.

When we are not making space for God in our every minute, we can miss God’s very simple instructions: to GIVE, to GO, to be HELD, to be MOLDED.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for your love and patience. You love me even when I’m not paying attention. You never stop calling my name. Father, I need your help paying attention to you calling out to me, trying to get and keep my attention. This world can be so loud and I want to create a space every moment to hear what you are telling me. My heart is open. I want to give you my attention. I want to go where you lead me. I want to be held. I want to be molded by you. In your Loving Name I pray, Amen.