This morning, I was curious as to how pottery is made...what are the processes that clay undergoes to become something beautiful? Of course I googled and this is what I found:
Pottery is made by forming the clay body into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln which removes all water from the clay, which induces reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and hardening and setting their shape. A clay body can be decorated before or after firing. Prior to some shaping processes, clay must be prepared. kneading helps to ensure an even moisture content throughout the body. Air trapped within the clay body needs to be removed. This is called de-airing and can be accomplished by a machine called a vacuum pug or manually by wedging. Wedging can also help produce an even moisture content. Once a clay body has been kneaded and de-aired or wedged, it is shaped by a variety of techniques. After shaping it is dried and then fired.
This is straight ministry to me! Think about it:
"Pottery is made by forming the clay body into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln which removes all water from the clay, which induces reactions that lead to permanent changes including increasing their strength and hardening and setting their shape."
When we are striving to be like Christ, our likeness forms to be that of what He requires. This process is not immediate, as we strive to be like him DAILY. When we go through trials, this is similar to going through the fire. Remember the 3 Hebrew boys? Once we have gone through the fire, permanant changes in our character occurs that shapes us to be more like Christ.
A clay body can be decorated before or after firing. Prior to some shaping processes, clay must be prepared. kneading helps to ensure an even moisture content throughout the body. Air trapped within the clay body needs to be removed. This is called de-airing and can be accomplished by a machine called a vacuum pug or manually by wedging.
When we are in the world, our likeness can take on that which influences us...our decorations. Some of us even have masks after we come to the knowledge that is Christ simply because this has become habit, commonplace for us. There are some some things that are immediate for our deliverance. However, other things take time. The clay does not cease to become clay simply because it is going through a shaping process. In that respect, just because we are going through processes of deliverance, that does not mean that we are any less anointed or have the ability to do what we are called to do. In order for the clay to be refined, all impurities must be removed. That process is similar to the stripping process we undergo when striving to be like Christ.
Wedging can also help produce an even moisture content. Once a clay body has been kneaded and de-aired or wedged, it is shaped by a variety of techniques. After shaping it is dried and then fired.
In order for the clay to be properly molded, it has to be even throughout. We have to get to a point where we are willing to be molded, and are even throughout...this speaks to
humility. The Psalmist David spoke of his own transgression in Psalms 51, saying "
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me..." (v.10 AMP) David was the ultimate worshipper because he understood the repentant heart, and was willing to be humble before God. Even with the clay, the text simply says, "once a clay body has been kneaded and de-aired or wedged, it is shaped by a variety of techniques." Once we have been shaped by the areas of our lives and become humble, we recognize our ability to be used even more. As the text says.."after shaping it is dried and then fired." David said this so eloquently in Psalms 51, saying,
"My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.
Wow! The Potter and the Clay. Feel like you need to be molded? Pray this prayer today.
Father I come to you asking you for your forgiveness for my sins. I ask today that you mold me into Your image, Your likeness for Your glory. I strive to be like You, and if there are any areas in which I am not like You, I ask that you begin to cleanse those areas, like You did for David. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right, perservering and steadfast spirit within me. And in my process, God, help me to have a broken spirit, a humble spirit, as this is the sacrifice You desire. All things will work for Your glory, and in Your son Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
