On May 6, 1974, Brother Stephen led a ministry session in Richmond, Virginia, expressing gratitude for the gathering and the opportunity to know God. He introduced the book of Jeremiah, outlining its structure, which includes Jeremiah's call, prophecies before and after Jerusalem's destruction, and prophecies concerning nations. He emphasized the importance of humility and spiritual openness to hear God's word, often found in ordinary places. Using the metaphor of a potter and clay, he illustrated God's sovereignty and the necessity of yielding to His will. The potter has a vision for the clay, just as God has a purpose for each individual. Stephen highlighted that while flaws may emerge during life's trials, God can reshape and redeem us, making us even better than before. He concluded with a reminder of God's mercy and the importance of repentance, encouraging the audience to remain humble and responsive to God's work in their lives.
Introduction and gratitude for gathering
Overview of the book of Jeremiah
Call and commission of Jeremiah
Prophecies before Jerusalem's destruction
Prophecies after Jerusalem's destruction
Prophecies concerning nations
Importance of humility and openness to God's word
Metaphor of the potter and clay
God's sovereignty and purpose
Yielding to God's will
Emergence of flaws during trials
God's ability to reshape and redeem
Call to repentance and acknowledgment of God's mercy
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. 12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.