Introduction
The Lord has been speaking to us in wonderful ways over the past two years. In 2023, the theme was “Keep the Fire Burning.” Last year, the theme was “Go Deep.” These two themes have been a blessing to many. They have also been a challenge and a call to action for us. These two Themes have been requests, commands, and invitations from God to us to maintain the godliness and work on the Salvation that we have received from Him. I hope that all of us have done our part, especially in deepening our relationship with God, family, and friends.
This year, the call has a different trajectory. The theme this year is “In the Hands of the Potter,” taken from the book of Isaiah 64:8:
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay; you are the potter;
We are all the work of your hand.”
This theme is a prayer for deliverance, a plea for mercy, and an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. It is also a confession of Israel’s sin and shortcomings. The children of Israel were in a situation in which they were in trouble; their hope for immediate restoration of Jerusalem and the temple had been delayed. They faced internal and external challenges which made them realize the extent of their distance from God as a result of their sin.
They cried out to God in anguish and humility. They pleaded with Him, knowing He is their Creator who can recreate them as He wishes. They admitted that He, like a potter, had the power to determine who they would be. They surrendered themselves to God, knowing that as clay, He could mold them. The figure of the potter and the clay is used to describe God’s sovereignty in His relationship with man.
The people are described as clay, and God shapes them to His divine design. When they get broken, He picks up the pieces and reshapes them as He sees best. When the shape does not suit His purpose, He redesigns it into something better.
This new year, our masterful Potter is more than willing to remake us into precious vessels—our personal lives, our families, and our church. We are in His hand; He is our Father. Praise be to God. Amen.
By Rev. Cyrus Wamugunda
Pointing you to Jesus Christ
