Potter's House

#505


Nothing is as valuable in the study of archeology as pottery shard (pieces of old pottery, usually broken, who's decor if any, or writing proves history). Recently, a piece of pottery was found in Israel which more or less proves the reign of King David...which had been debated by liberal scholars...with writing which could very easily prove that the Hebrews were capable of writing at that period in history. Whether in Israel, Europe, Asia or South America, pottery shards throw much light on ancient history. Pottery was referred to in the Old Testament in the relationship that God had as “clay in the potter's hands”, the manner in which he had molded Israel (Jer 18:6). In Isiah, on describing the relationship between the potter and clay, we find that the clay does not instruct the potter. “How stupid can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you. You are only the jars he makes! Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it, "He didn't make us"? Does a jar ever say, "The potter who made me is stupid"? (Isa 29:16) I have known some potters in my time, particularly those from the Seagrove community...the pottery center of North Carolina. I am told the potter never takes his eyes off the wheel as it is molded, that the kiln temperature is essential. If the product is not perfect, it is usually thrown away just as we found in the “potters field” where Judas hanged himself. It is significant that Judas found himself at the end among broken things. More significant, the fact that the potter, like our blessed Lord, never takes his eyes off the product as it is molded on the wheel.

The one inescapable paradox of life is that men so love a lie more than the truth. The truth is truth whether anyone believes it or not. Jesus told us that he was the truth (John 17:17, John 14:6). The church should contain nothing but truth (1Ti 3:15). Paul spoke of the church and the truth in 50 A.D. I can tell you with all certainty, ministers of the Gospel spoke of the truth in 1950 A.D. At the rate today's church is deteriorating, will there be truth in the church in 2050 A.D.? Think of it (Selah) mega churches, (Osteen, Warren etc.) where laughing and clapping, drums and drama, bells and smells, dominate the “worship” service. Think of it, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist etc. where homosexual pastors and Bishops preside. Think of it, Protestant and Baptist churches, where the minister, from the pulpit, must instruct those in attendance who have come presumably to worship, about behavior in the congregation...telling children not to move around the building...telling adults not to get up and leave during the service. Exiting a historic cathedral in England, known for it's beautiful windows, the magnificent carving of the nave, one tourist said, “I just don't like the place, it is so religious”. On entering St. Peters, the Vatican, there was a magnificent urn of Holy water. One tourist looked up and said, “they must have a leak”. Some theologians maintain that the church age is over...that the church has strayed so far from worship that it will never return and that most worship will now take place in individual homes.

I am always happy to see Protestants, even Baptists convert to Catholicism because, at least in Catholicism there is still an attitude of worship, you still see a cross in the sanctuary. The modernized architecturally extreme compromised buildings of most non Catholic edifice are so undignified, un-religious, that you might as well have an Osteen type stadium or civic club arena. Have we lost all sense of tradition, sanctity of our ancestors? God gave specific measurements for his tabernacle in the wilderness. His temples showed not the last but the best in “man's desire”. Never has there been such a sanctuary as Solomon's temple...cedarwood, brass and gold (It's footprint the same size as the great pyramid on the plains of Giza, 13 acres) and, like the great blocks of stone of Giza, weighing tons, fitted together so that a human hair will not even go between, the great temple was built without the sound of hammer or saw, everything fitting together perfectly. God expects perfection and holiness in our lives as well as in his sanctuary. Our lives, like the building dedicated to him, must be separate and different.

Copernicus who died in 1543, scandalized the Catholic church using Ptolemy's theory and his own heliocentric theory which could have landed him in jail. So it was not until Pope John Paul II that the acumen of earth roundness and rotation was finalized. The simplicity of scripture (written so a 6th grader can understand it) has been so exasperated by men that God will have a good time with discipline. One little group, interpreting something to fit their own opinion, one person, trying to influence the eternal destiny of others (Mayor Baker Eddy, Ellen White, Charles Russell, Joseph Smith etc.) thinking that God's word is not enough but they must add on their own book or interpretation as a source of confusion to many perhaps even Satan. The message of sin's ruin and Christ redemption, salvation, by grace through faith is too wonderful for exploitation.

In your memory bank, hold on to great shepherds, keepers of the flock. I think of Dr. James A. Evans, minister of the gospel for 75 years, presided at the funerals of four Great Grandparents, four Grandparents and both parents. I remember he headed an orphanage caring for 80 children on a budget of ten thousand dollars a year. I think of Dr. R.G. Lee, great preacher and writer who emphasized making numbers count instead of counting numbers. I think of the L.A. Pastor, Dr. Gene Scott, although I disagree with much of his lifestyle I was constantly amazed at his knowledge.

In your memory bank, hold on to memories of your parents. Remember, they were supposed to train you, not spoil you. They were your parents, not your friends. I remember my mother molding butter, the big churns, the wood butter molds. I'm convinced she was as interested in molding the lives of her children as she was in molding the butter she sold. I remember the day my father taught me to tie my shoes. From that day to this day, every time I tie my shoes I think of him.

In your memory bank, think of the “Pilgrims” you have met along life's highway, some were sinners, some saints, but if you were smart, you learned from both. You either had instilled into your living certain graces which have made your life easier or you saw in someone practices from which you have endeavored to stay clear. Life is a learning experience and pity the person who gets educated too soon.

Separateness is as important as togetherness. Cardinal George told the Mormons recently that the Catholics would work with them. President Jenkins of Notre Dame welcomed into the Catholic community the, culture of death President, now in office. You cannot reconcile disease with health, depravity with morality, perversion with innocence. The potter was judgmental, he could always recognize flaws, imperfections. “Be ye perfect for your father in heaven is perfect” (Mat 5:48).