Vaso
A metáfora do vaso é uma das mais belas da Bíblia. Assim como o oleiro molda o barro, Deus nos forma segundo seus propósitos, fazendo de nós vasos úteis para sua glória.
Nas mãos do oleiro
Deus é o Oleiro e nós somos o barro. Ele tem autoridade e sabedoria para nos moldar conforme sua vontade perfeita, e não devemos questionar sua obra.
But now, O LORD-Yehōvah (Messiah Pre-Incarnate), youi [are] our father; we [are] the clay, and youi our potter; and we all [are] the work of youri hand.
The word which came to Yirmeyahu [whom Yehovah has appointed] from the LORD-Yehōvah (Messiah Pre-Incarnate), saying,
Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause youi to hear my words.
Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.
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].
Then the word of the LORD-Yehōvah (Messiah Pre-Incarnate) came to me, saying,
O house of Yisra’el [He Holds Onto The Heel Of God], cannot I do with you as this potter? says the LORD-Yehōvah (Messiah Pre-Incarnate). Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter’s hand, so [are] you2f in my hand, O house of Yisra’el [He Holds Onto The Heel Of God].
No but, O man, who are youi that replies against God-The Father? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why have youi made me thus?
Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Woe unto him that strives with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd (piece of broken pottery) [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashions it, What makes youi? or youi work, He has no hands?
Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?
Vasos para honra
O cristão é chamado a ser um vaso de honra, purificado e preparado para toda boa obra. Nosso valor está em quem nos formou e no que carregamos.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, [and] prepared unto every good work.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God-The Father, and not of us.
The precious sons of Tziyon [parched place], comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
Moldados pela graça
Mesmo quando nos sentimos frágeis e imperfeitos, o poder de Deus se aperfeiçoa em nossa fraqueza. Ele nos restaura e nos renova continuamente.
Your1s hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet youi do destroy me.
Remember, I beseech (to call upon; appeal; beg) youi, that youi have made me as the clay; and will youi bring me into dust again?
Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd (piece of broken pottery) covered with silver dross.
Howl, you2f shepherds, and cry; and wallow (to approve, commend, accept) yourselves [in the ashes], you2f principal of the flock: for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and you2f shall fall like a prized vase.