Potters

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: General | Mar 1961

In our private reading of the word of God, we may all be tempted to pass over the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, as consisting of "endless genealogies." Yet there are, here and there in this portion, certain comments which contain valuable lessons. The prayer of Jabez, in chapter 4 verse 10 is well known. Verse 28 of this chapter also has a valuable lesson. The words are These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they dwelt with the king for his work." As potters, their work was to fashion clay vessels. As the king's potters, their work was to mould the clay into vessels according to the king's pattern, and for his use.

While undoubtedly the words of Isaiah 64.8, "But now, 0 LORD, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our Potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand," are as true of God's children today, as they were true of Israel, it is rather to the thought of human instruments for God's work that we wish to call attention. Saved parents, and Sunday school teachers, indeed all who have to do with young people, have an opportunity and responsibility in this all-important matter.

Two things must be noted, firstly, it was the king's work upon which they were engaged, and secondly, for that work "they dwelt with the king". In this godless and lawless age it is essential that those who seek to mould the minds of the young, whether in the home, or in the Sunday school, or in young disciples' classes should recognize that it is work for the King, the One with all authority, and that for the successful prosecution of this vital work, they must abide with Him. Living in fellowship with Him will result in the teacher becoming like Him. Perhaps, too, those who are taught will also take on His likeness, as Paul could say,

"Be ye imitators of me, even Os I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians ii. 1). The words of the poet Cowper are forceful and true.

'Tis granted, and no plainer truth appears,

Our most important are our earliest years.

The mind, impressionable and soft, with ease

Imbibes and copies what she hears and sees,

And through life's labyrinth holds fast the clue

That Education gives her, false or true."

(from " The Progress of Error")

Of Timothy, Paul could say, "Thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith" (2 Timothy 3.10). Note the order here, teaching first, for proper teaching will result in proper conduct, and this will be followed by purpose. It was so with Daniel, whose purpose not to "defile himself" was doubtless the direct result of godly teaching. Numerous and weighty are the warnings of Scripture against "false teachers " (2 Peter 2. 1) who bring in " destructive heresies," speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them" (Acts 20.80), and who teach "doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4.1). Is not the religious world full of such teachers today? The only safeguard is to know "the sacred writings" (2 Timothy 3. 15). Therein is "the pattern of sound words" (2 Timothy 1.13), which must be the basis of conduct. These are like those days, when "there was no king in Israel," and when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21.25). Why was it so? It was because of the absence of regard to the laws of Him who is King over all kings.

The "all authority" of the Lord Jesus Christ must be taught in all its practical application to every day life (Matthew 28.18). Habits, companionships, activities must all be brought to the test of " we make it our aim ... to be well-pleasing unto Him." How essential, then, for those "potters" who are seeking to mould young lives for the King, that they dwell "with the King for His work." "Wherefore, ... be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15.58).

Jarvis, A. G. | Mar 1961
General