The image of the potter and the clay, especially as seen in Romans 9:1-33, brings up the important question of how we seek to understand God’s actions. The fact is, of course, we often don’t. That shouldn’t be surprising, should it? Read Isaiah 55:8. As human beings, we simply are very limited in what we … Continue reading –>
Read Jeremiah 13:1-11. What was the symbolic act Jeremiah was ordered to do, and what important lesson was it to teach? This symbolic act has caused some difficulties for interpreters because the river Euphrates (a common interpretation of the Hebrew but not necessarily the only one) was hundreds of kilometers from Jerusalem. Ezra needed four … Continue reading –>
“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8 The familiar story of the potter and the clay teaches us profound lessons. For Jeremiah, it illustrated that God is able to not only create, but to start … Continue reading –>
As we saw yesterday, the nation had fallen into deep apostasy. They weren’t getting the message. God then used Jeremiah to do a powerful symbolic act that, ideally, would help wake them up to the danger they were facing. Read Jeremiah 19:1-15. What was Jeremiah to do and what was the meaning of this act? … Continue reading –>
Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents (Jer. 19:4). In this text we are given a few examples of the … Continue reading –>
Symbols in Scripture. Are you ever amazed by how many symbols we see in Scripture? Isn’t there also a good share of realism in Scripture? Have you ever heard the plaintive plea from a class member, “Is this symbolic or real?” especially while studying final events through the prism of Biblical prophecy? And have you … Continue reading –>
What crucial truths are taught from these verses and the symbolism found there? (See Gen. 2:7, Jer. 18:1-10, Isa. 29:16, Isa. 45:9, Isa. 64:8, Rom. 9:18-21) Because of the constant rejection and persecution that he faced, no doubt Jeremiah wanted to give up. Was it worth struggling and fighting for that nation? At times he certainly felt that the answer … Continue reading –>
Scripture is exceedingly rich in symbols. All kinds abound, and in most cases, they represent truths greater than themselves. Read Genesis 4:3-7. What do their two different sacrifices symbolize? Very early in the Bible we can see the difference between the attempt to work one’s way to heaven (in the offering of Cain) and the … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gen. 4:3-7, Num. 21:1-9, Isa. 29:16, Rom. 9:18-21, Jeremiah 19:1-15, Heb. 5:14, Jer. 13:1-11. Memory Text: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? (Romans 9:21). Every student of the Bible knows that it is filled with … Continue reading –>
Lesson on Woes For the Prophet 1. Mad at God. Have you ever been angry about the way people are treating you? Ever been mad at God? What was Jeremiah’s complaint about God? Was it justified? Why can’t God’s followers be treated with the justice and civility they deserve? Have you ever known someone who … Continue reading –>
