This week’s passage portrays God as the great potter of world history (vv. 1–4). The Lord works sovereignly and providentially in the universe to mold, shape, and form nations and kingdoms—including Israel—into the vessels he wants them to be, according to his prudent designs and good purposes (vv. 6–7). This symbolic metaphor applies not only to nations but also to individuals. Just as he did with Israel, God is now in the process of molding and shaping us into the people he has called us to be—people of virtue and character who are overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit.