Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Old Testament: Jeremiah 18:1-11,18-20
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Psalm 31:9-16
“I am as useless as a broken pot.” Psalm 31:12b
“Life was not supposed to turn out this way,” a friend lamented to me recently. Those words, spoken with refreshing honesty in the midst of grief, have stuck with me.
I wonder how many of us would admit to a similar broken feeling, at least during certain times in our lives or on certain dreadful days. I wonder how many of us carry such thoughts within, even when all looks grand on the outside.
I am not made for this. I missed that opportunity. I made a mess of things. I took a wrong turn. Whether negligent or calculated, I squandered and surrendered. I am as useless as a broken pot.
But in today’s Old Testament reading, the prophet reminds me that I am in the Potter’s hands. I am fashioned and refashioned as the wheel continues to turn. What is spoiled is remade. And the merciful Artist calls it good (Jeremiah 18:4).
I don’t mean to make light of mistakes made by us or harms caused to us. Life can be hard and painful. Pots do indeed break, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
Rather, teach me to trust in you, Lord, through my shame and sadness and regret. Guard my heart and redeem my thoughts, reminding me that what is broken is being transformed.
“You are my God. My times are in your hand.” (Psalm 31:14-15a)
Michael Barnett
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