God doesn't need us

Glenn Beck's "Restoring America" rally

Jeremiah 18:1-11

For Sunday, September 5, 2010

Proper 18

"God doesn't need us." This was the message of the prophet Jeremiah to an unrepentant southern kingdom of Judah. The northern kingdom had already fallen in 723 B.C. to the Assyrians, and now Babylon was threatening the same for the south.

The sensible reaction would have been to say, "Gee, our northern brothers and sisters were warned, but didn't listen, and they were wiped out. Time for us to straighten up and fly right." But they didn't. Rather, they continued to follow the "stubborness" of their evil hearts (Jer. 18:12).

What we forget is that our lives are mere lumps of clay in a potter's hand. If the clay isn't forming according to intent, the best thing to do is just smash it back down and start over.

Why then do we treat our walks with God so cavalierly? Is it because deep down we think God needs us to accomplish his purpose? He doesn't. All he needs is clay.

So, what alternative is there? Only one: "So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions" (Jer. 18:11). Reformation. It wasn't needed only in the 16th century. It's needed today, in the hearts of individuals, and in the corporate personalities of our churches.

Let us then, in view of God's mercy, reform our ways and our actions, that our lumps of clay might become masterpieces in the potter's hand.