The Cracked Pot

 

Read: Judges 13-16

          The story of Samson (Judges 13-16) and many others in the Bible remind us that God can use us despite our failures and shortcomings.  Some other names in the Bible that come to mind are Jonah, David, Peter, and Paul.  That’s a good thing because none of us are perfect.  It reminds me of another story from India that I have heard from time to time.  It goes like this…

A water-bearer in India had two large pots, both hung on the ends of a pole, which he carried across his neck.  One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.  At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot always arrived half full.

The poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.  After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream:

I’m ashamed of myself, I want to apologize to you.  I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.  Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get the full value of your efforts.”

The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there was garden produce growing only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?  That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted many different seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them.  For two years I have been able to pick wonderful produce to give to others in need.  Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this bounty of blessing to share.”

We can be thankful that God uses cracked pots to accomplish his work in this world.  Despite our shortcomings, failures, and missteps, God will accept us and empower us in his grace.  He has given us that grace through his Son Jesus and restores us to bring forth fruit… or produce.

Make it Personal:  If you have beat yourself up over past mistakes or failures, God’s Word (The Bible) is full of examples of how God wants to redeem you, restore you, forgive you, and use you to make a difference in this world.  You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be open to his leading in your life.

Have a great week,  Pastor Glen Rhodes