In arguing that God has the right to do whatever He chooses, Paul uses the illustration of the potter and the clay.
But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? (Romans 9:20-21 ESV)
Potter molding a vessel at Avanos in Anatolia. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Our photo shows a potter molding a vessel, according to his own choosing, at Avanos in Turkey. Avanos, a town north of the region of Cappadocia, is famous for its potters. I am told that many homes have a potter’s wheel and the residents make some of the family income through pottery making.
The words of the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah are fitting:
Then the word of the LORD came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. (Jeremiah 18:5-6 ESV)
We have included an image suitable for presentations for those who wish to use it in teaching.
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