Clay is a fine-grained light-colored natural soil containing certain minerals that vary in color depending on the color of the mineral that was in the rock that it disintegrated from. For example, Iron oxide in the original rock makes the soil reddish or brownish in color. Clay develops a plasticity when wet but can be hardened through firing. It does contain nutrients that makes soil more fertile, it can be used in making cement, and when molded and fired, it is used in making bricks, useful utensils, and artworks.
When we consider clay it reminds us of the many ways that God uses things that are familiar to us in nature to teach us about Himself and our lives in relationship to Him.
OUR FORMATION. Is.64:8 compares us to clay in that we are the work of God as our potter. Since we are formed by God, Is. 45:9 asks if we as clay should question God, the potter. Rom 9:6ff asks the same question. Rom.12:1ff in the Phillips translation helps us see the importance of yielding to God, the potter, instead of letting the world around us squeeze us into its mold. 2 Tim 2:20ff deals with the different types of vessels made from clay, saying that each of us is formed in a different way for God’s purposes.
OUR INSTABILITY. There are negative aspects of clay as soil. Because its absorption of water it does not drain well as a useful soil to grow crops, and makes an unstable foundation for buildings and roads. (Colorado’s bentonite problem). Applying this to our lives, Psalm 40:2 describes the problem of getting stuck in miry clay and the need for God to rescue and place on a firm foundation. The clay can be compared to sin that drags us down into the mire of anxiety, anger, discontent, bitterness, addictions etc. In this vein, Heb. 12:1ff talks about laying aside the sin that so easily entangles us and focusing on Jesus. Eph 4:22ff also refers to laying aside the old life.
OUR TRIALS. The subjection of clay to intense heat can be compared to trials and suffering in life. 1 Peter 1:7 refers to being tested by fire and 2 Cor.1 points out that suffering shows us that we must trust in God, not ourselves, and James 1:2-4 that suffering produces endurance.