Saturday, January 8, 2022

The Potters and the Gardeners - Charles Spurgeon


                   The Potters and Gardeners - Charles Spurgeon


These were the potters and those who dwelt among plants and hedges, who lived there in the king's service
             (1 Chronicles 4:23).


Potters were among the ranks of manual workers, but the king needed potters and therefore they were elevated to royal service, although the material upon which they worked was nothing but clay.

In the same way we also may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for the King; and therefore we will play our part, hoping that, even though we live among the pots, we will soar in the service of our Master.

They may have wanted to live in the city, amid its life, society and refinement, but they kept their assigned places because they were doing the King's work.

There is no ideal place for us to serve God except the place He sets us down.

We are not to run from it on whim or sudden notion, but we should serve the Lord by being in it a blessing to those among whom we live.

These potters and gardeners had royal company, for they lived with the king, and although among hedges and plants, they lived with the king there.

No lawful place or gracious occupation, however menial, can keep us from communion with our Lord.

In hovels, run-down neighborhoods, and jails, we may keep company with the King.

In all works of faith we can count upon Jesus' fellowship.

It is when we are in His work that we can reckon on His smile.

You unknown workers who are serving the Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer, for jewels have often been found among rubbish, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasures, and ugly weeds have been transformed into precious flowers.

Dwell with the King and do His work, and when He writes His chronicles, your name shall be recorded.

[The names of these potters and gardeners are recorded for us in 1 Chronicles, chapter 4.  The book was written for the exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity  when King Cyrus gave them the opportunity and means to go back to their homes in Judea. The author wanted them to know they were part of God's special treasure, His Chosen People who would come back to Israel and prepare for the coming Messiah. After all, it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and would be reared in Nazareth and would attend Temple in Jerusalem. They were, each one, a part of God's eternal plan. Just like we are!]

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