Monday, August 9, 2021
The Dust of Topheth
For information on the town of Topheth, the priest Pashur, the gods Baal and Molech, and how Jeremiah’s predictions play out, enter the words The Potter’s Flask into the blog search bar and explore.
Broken Pottery
Ancient society can be traced through its pottery. Ceramic pots were ubiquitous. They were designed, created and decorated by artisans to hold or carry everything from water and food to medicines and even funeral offerings. For more on this ancient craft, visit: http://www.ancient.eu/pottery/
Today, we spend time with Jeremiah and image of the broken jug.
The Dust of Topheth
The name of Topheth we utter no longer, its singular offering is shame and amazement.
The potter’s flask floats before us; yet we convince ourselves that our walls are exempt.
Our circumstance is special; our creation unique.
So well loved, we cannot stray.
So well nourished, we cannot fall.
The Valley of Slaughter is distant; yet Baal and Molech await first-born offerings with leery eye and eager lip.
Status and wealth build narrow walls against approaching truths.
So well tended, we cannot falter.
So well equipped, we cannot fail.
Prophets raise shadow arms to pronounce sacred words with parched throats while Pashur gathers warm beds against the arriving storm.
Deaf ears and silent hands cast down the potter’s flask where it lies broken with the bones of those who grapple with falling city walls.
So well guided, we cannot lose our way.
So well protected, we cannot perish.
And yet Adonai is near.
In the still of destruction the house of Jerusalem lives in the hearts of the remnant.
Israel breathes yet in the faithful who bore Topheth on exhausted backs and empty bellies.
Stiff necks and hard hearts vanish with the grime of rubble . . .
Leaving the hearts of the faithful to rise in the dust of Topheth.
Image from: http://foraseason.blogspot.com/2009/01/jeremiah-191-15.htmlFriday,%20August 22, 2014
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