The Potter and The Clay

If you watch a potter working the clay on his wheel, you notice that there is no tension - the clay submits graciously to the potter's hands - the potter's direction.

A passage found in Jeremiah 18:6 arrests our thoughts as we examine how "clay in the potters hand is to be fashioned at the potter's pleasure and rendered according to his purposes.

In reading these words, we notice a spiritual corollary. God the Father is expressed as the "Potter" and we, His children, symbolize the clay. More often than not, we discover that being clay - supple and moldable - represents a challenge or two. I was thinking about how resistant I am to being clay. Perhaps it is because I want to be a finished piece of art, admired for my beauty and/or functionality. Perhaps even more disturbing (if I am honest with myself) is knowing that the Potter knows best, yet I want to be in control.

He is the Potter, I am the clay.
I want Him to mold me, but I am selfish, prideful, and arrogant.
I want to be consecrated, but without devotion.
I want to be anointed without being appointed.
I want His perfect will as long as it doesn't cost me anything.
I want His power without my surrender.
I want to be hallow without being hollowed.
I want to be filled without emptying out.
I want Him to give without taking away.
I want everything He has as long as I don't have to give up anything.
I want His grace, but I don't want His cross.

© Silent Mornings

The Nines

Today is unique. It's the ninth day of the ninth month of the ninth year of the 21st century: 09-09-09. In other words, it's the nines!

Numbers have significance. Although I'm sure there are many more I didn't unlock I discovered a few things about the numeric nine. Here's what I learned: Nine is the sum of digits whose form is multiplied and is also a multiple i.e., 3x3=9.

Nine means FRUIT BEARING. An example is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 that's quite appropriate - the manifestation of the Holy Spirit's nine gifts. "They are first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues."

Next, the attributes of the Holy Spirit are demonstrated in Galatians 5:22 - also spoken of as fruit: "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

In chemistry, the number for water is nine. Along with fire and wind, water is another characteristic of the Holy Spirit.

A significant procedure not uncommon to Jews, Christian's, and other families of faith is CIRCUMCISION. Abraham is known as the Father of Faith and part of his story is found in Genesis 12 and Romans 3:27-4:25. Abraham was circumcised at 99 years of age, signifying a seal of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Nine also means COMPLETENESS with well known evidence easily demonstrated at the conclusion of nine months of pregnancy.

Nine also references FINALITY, one example being that nine is last of the single digits. There are other excellent examples found in history and prophesy.

JUDGMENT is another meaning revealed in the numeric nine. One powerful example is revealed in Jesus' death in the 9th hour on the cross of Calvary. This is discussed in Mark 15:25. All of God's wrath - His judgment against sin was poured out on Jesus. You can read Romans 1:18-32 for more information.

Perhaps you have other examples of meanings found in the number nine. Feel free to share them in the comment field. I'd enjoy reading about your discoveries. If you want to cite a book or web link that would be great.

Image: © Silent Mornings