Jeremiah’s visit to the potter’s house led him to teach the principle scholars call “conditional
prophecy.” Many in his day said, “God can’t allow us to face judgment —he promised to look after
Israel.” To them, the message was, “If you leave God, God’s shelter may leave you.” But it also
gave hope to those who felt, “It’s no use—we’re doomed.” To them, Jeremiah said, “Prophecy is
not destiny, but warning. If you repent, God will forgive and protect.”

• Prophecy doesn’t bind either God or us. We can always choose to change course (for good or for ill), and God is free to respond to our choices. When have you chosen to go against what God asks of you? If it brought bad results, what did you learn? Could you (or can you) see past your failure and ask God to help you live in God’s way?
• Sadly, verse 12 said Judah’s people responded to God’s call by saying “It’s no use” and continuing on their doomed course. Is there any part of your life that makes you feel as though “it’s no use?” How can what Jeremiah taught about God give you hope?