15 Sep: Clay in the Potter’s Hands
We are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 64:5–9
Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made, with over seven million copies sold around the world. It also brought fresh attention to the ocarina—a small, ancient, clay instrument shaped a bit like a potato.
On its own, the ocarina doesn’t look impressive. But when you blow into its mouthpiece and cover different holes along its uneven body, it gives out a calm, clear, and strangely hopeful sound.
The maker of the ocarina took a lump of clay, pressed it, fired it with heat, and turned it into a beautiful instrument. There’s a picture here of God and us. Isaiah 64:6, 8–9 says: “We are all as an unclean thing… But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter… Be not wroth very sore.” The prophet is praying: God, You are in charge. We are sinful. Please shape us into useful, beautiful instruments for Yourself.
That is what God does. In mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sin. Now, as we walk daily with His Spirit, He keeps shaping and changing us. Just as the player’s breath moves through the ocarina to make music, God works through us—His formed instruments—to carry out His good purpose: that we become more and more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).
Romans 8:29 puts it plainly: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” God’s plan is not just to save us, but to make us like Christ in character, obedience, and holiness, until we share in His glory.
By: Wendell Yang
Go deeper on: Clay in the Potter’s Hands
Reflect & Pray
How can knowing that you’re a recipient of God’s mercy affect what you think, say, and do today? How can you submit yourself to His transformation?
Father, thank You for saving me and transforming me so that I’ll become more like Your Son, Jesus. Teach me to submit to Your Spirit’s work of transforming me.