by Jill Austin
“But the mountainous terrain—”
“I leap on the tops of mountains, and I will carry My Beloved.”
Turning abruptly, He heads across the field, jumping effortlessly from one hill to the next, leaving them foiled and cursing.
The need for acceptance and vindication has a stranglehold on Beloved. After the humiliating fiasco at the Inn, Beloved’s pride is still badly wounded. “But Master Potter, I was falsely accused, and the record needs to be set straight about what really happened. You could always come with me.”
“Beloved, let Me handle this. Things are not always what they seem to be. What you just experienced was a trap to put you back under demonic control. In My time I will vindicate you, but it will not be your righteousness that is exalted.”
THE PLOT IS FOILED
Madam and the pastor climb in the wagon and head back for town. “That didn’t go too well,” Pastor Compromise says accusingly. “You foiled our chances with your dreadful overacting—”
“I spoiled our chances?” interrupts Madam. “What about you? You have all the compassion of a goat!”
“A goat?”
“Yes, I said a goat.”
Death suddenly appears in the middle of the road out of a flash of putrid yellow sulfurish vapor. The two immediately stop bickering and straighten up as if at attention. Death squints at them and hurls blasphemous curses. Waving his hand, he turns the two black horses to gnarly little demons, and the luxurious wagon vanishes in thin air. Pastor Compromise and Madam fall down hard on the dirt road.
THE FATHER’S VINEYARD
The country road slowly narrows as Master Potter and Beloved enter the ancient vineyards carved into the gentle slopes of the mountain. Gray fieldstone walls separate the terraced plots of gnarled grapevines supporting clusters of dusky purple grapes.
Approaching a beautiful wrought-iron gate of delicate grape and leaf design, they enter the courtyard leading to enormous ivy-covered stone buildings of an ancient winery. Over the entryway is an ornate wooden plaque embossed in gold lettering, “The Father’s Vineyard.”
In a swarm of activity, workers load heavy wooden casks of wine to be taken to Comfort Cove. Each horse-drawn wagon is quickly loaded and dispatched while another takes its place, waiting to be filled.
“This wine is headed for the docks to be loaded on My ship, which will depart tonight. The captains of My ships depend on the Rock of Salvation Lighthouse to help navigate the treacherous Straits of the Dragon. This ship will bring the wine of healing and refreshing to the Bay of the Martyrs.”
NEW WINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
They stroll under a vine-covered arbor, which opens into a hidden stone courtyard in the back. Beloved gasps as she sees radiant angels. One of the wine casks is open and a multitude of angels led by Valiant are celebrating.
“They’re enjoying the new wine of the Holy Spirit, Beloved. He’s a good friend of Mine whom you will meet later.”
Laughing, Master Potter takes a beautiful goblet from Valiant. “Do you know why they’re so joyous?” Beloved, still too stunned to speak, can only nod her head as she stares in amazement.
Valiant offers a toast as the angels raise their glasses. “Master Potter’s death on the Cross has redeemed another broken vessel. Today we celebrate Beloved’s entrance into new life!” Rousing, joyful shouts of glee exalt Master Potter’s great love and sacrifice. Valiant raises his glass again and proclaims, “To the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, that Beloved may come forth!”
“Your Grandma Pearl prayed for you every day and wouldn’t give My Father any rest until she knew you were safe. She and all of Heaven rejoiced when I rescued you from the Potter’s Field, and I wanted to show you just a glimpse of the elation over your entrance into My Kingdom.”
Beloved is astounded by what she has just seen. Still dazed, she looks at Master Potter. “Your Kingdom is bigger than what I can see, isn’t it?” Master Potter tips His head back and laughs in delight. “You have no idea, Beloved, you have no idea.”
Soon they leave the vineyards behind, and the landscape changes from wild flowers into fragrant eucalyptus and oak trees. She snuggles deeper into the folds of His robes, resting and secure in His strong arms.
CHAPTER TEN
VESSELS OF DESTINY
Hours pass, the noonday sun begins its downward journey and the dense woods give way to a wide clearing. Walking toward a high bluff overlooking Comfort Cove, Master Potter excitedly says in a deep resonating voice, “Beloved, it won’t be long before we rest for the night, but first let Me share this with you.”
Although Beloved had grown up near the sea, it seems her eyes are opened in a brand new way to the beauty around her. Everything she sees is clearer, brighter and lovelier than she can ever remember. The panoramic view takes her breath away.
The ocean’s dancing blue water glitters like diamonds in the brilliant sunlight. The salty sea breeze blows gently through her hair, invigorating her senses as she gazes on the azure blue expanse of the horizon.
Beloved’s eyes follow tangles of wild roses trailing down and disappearing over the rocky outcropping. As they move closer to the edge, the busy fishing harbor comes into view.
A demon of fear blows several small, poisonous darts that explode as they pierce Beloved, embedding deeply within her heart.
Suddenly hurtful images from the past flood her mind, terrorizing her. The thought of falling back into her old ways causes her to tremble. “I don’t ever want to go back there.”
“You will someday, but not before you’re ready.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”
Master Potter touches her heart with His hand, and soothing heat melts the darts, vanquishing fear. His peace and love once again restore her heart.
“When it is time for you to go, Beloved, I’ll go with you. You won’t be alone. And you will go back not as a victim, but as My warrior Bride.”
THE FLAGSHIP OF THE BRIDEGROOM KING
Master Potter points at the blue vista of sea and sky to an ancient seafaring vessel destined for Comfort Cove. White billowing sails mounted on tall wooden masts enable the ship to cut through the water in unparalleled magnificence!
Even from this lofty view, the sound of angelic trumpets proclaiming its entrance into the harbor can clearly be heard. Beloved watches fiery messengers on horseback ride throughout the village announcing the flagship’s arrival. It is the flagship of the Bridegroom King!
Brilliant flags of scarlet, blue and purple ripple gracefully in the wind displaying the King’s royal colors in full governmental splendor. The sleepy village begins buzzing with excitement and activity as people hurry to unload cargo from the majestic vessel.
From this far distance, Beloved can still make out the familiar, weather-beaten faces of the village fishermen hauling in their day’s catch. Dock workers who clean and salt the fish shout joyously to each other. Working quickly, they toss the fish in wooden barrels to load onto the great ship.
Others mend torn nets, and Beloved imagines that they are discussing their own exciting plans for the celebration that will take place that night. It’s not every day that a ship such as this one comes into Comfort Cove’s humble village harbor!
MEMORIES OF THE PAST
Looking down from the bluff, she sees Antagonist coming out of the tavern, heading for the dock. He’s wearing his rubber fishing boots with his crumpled and dirty work pants tucked inside. His limp is unmistakable.
Another fiery dart from a nearby demon wounds Beloved.
Her heart is suddenly saddened by the memory of the first time she saw her former boyfriend. He had come crashing through the tavern window on the losing end of a barroom brawl. The relationship had started badly—he could merely provide a place for her to stay, and she could provide what he wanted too—it had ended worse.
She had lost count of the number of times she had vowed to leave him after his beatings. But his sad blue eyes, sincere-sounding apologies, and her
fear of living on the docks alone, kept her in the cramped, fish-scented apartment over the barbershop.
He was so strong, but what could have been used to protect her was frequently vented against her. He’s exactly like my father—an angry, abusive drunk.
She wonders why there were times she felt so strangely drawn to him. She had to admit she was attracted to his lean, muscular frame and tanned face, the result of years of working on the docks. Even the jagged scar across his right cheek, which he got from the broken window, was somehow intriguing.
As she absently stares at Antagonist, Master Potter, aware of her every thought, says, “I’m going to heal your heart of these painful memories. I’m not going to leave you wounded. I’ll be your beloved. You will no longer look to men for what they can’t provide. I’ll give you back the dignity that was taken from you and the dignity you willingly gave away.”
She blushes in shame and looks at the ground. Taking her face in His hands, He gently turns it back and replies, “You’re on a journey and right now you’re broken, but watch what I do. I’ll make you a beautiful vessel of honor.”
VESSELS OF HONOR
Wooden wagons lumbering down the cobblestone streets create a great racket. The wagons are laden with grains, vegetables, fruits and barrels of wine headed for the flagship.
“Look over there, Beloved! My pottery wagons have just arrived from the Formidable Mountains!” says Master Potter.
Amidst the throng of villagers unloading the pottery, Beloved rubs her eyes, squints and rubs them again to be sure she is seeing correctly. She sees flashes of brilliant light. Watching in fascination, Beloved turns questioningly to Master Potter.
He smiles. “Those flashes are My angels in disguise. They playfully streak through the air of time, flying on the wings of the wind. They’re everywhere, all the time, even though you usually don’t see them.”
Burly workers unpack the wagon, pulling out majestic pots of every conceivable size and shape from the packed straw. Stunning glazes of golden yellows, crimson reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens, burnt oranges, bronze, silver and gold shimmer in the late afternoon sun. Looking down at her own broken, ugly vessel, Beloved’s face flushes and she feels she will never be transformed into such beauty that is fit for the Master’s use.
REASSURING WORDS
Seeing her face drop, Master Potter instantly understands her fears and reaches out to comfort her. “These beautiful pots were also rescued out of the Potter’s Field. They were as broken as you are, Beloved. This is an exciting day of commissioning for them. They are further along on the journey that you’re just beginning. As I did with these, I am taking you to My house to mold and shape your life into a beautiful reflection of My love.”
Beloved moans, “But Lord, look at me. How could You ever fix me?”
With deep affection He replies, “I am Master Potter, the creator of all things. I’ve already seen you as one of those finished vessels that will be sent to the nations. I’m showing you this so you can have faith for your own completion. Remember this day, and know that you have a wonderful destiny that’s hidden in Me.”
Still held in the Master Potter’s strong arms, Beloved has a perfect bird’s-eye view from the high bluff overlooking the village. The thought of being a finished lovely vessel makes her laugh with delight. She loves Master Potter even more.
Master Potter turns and carries her into the peaceful and lovely woods, away from the noisy loading docks of Comfort Cove. The excitement of the day slowly fades into the background as they climb higher. The mountainous terrain gradually changes into stately cedar trees pointing upward to the face of God.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE POTTER’S HOUSE
The journey to the Potter’s House is nearly complete, but for Beloved it could last forever and she wouldn’t mind a bit. Never has she felt so comforted, so loved, so safe and secure. She catches glimpses of gold sparkling through the lush foliage and dense woods reflecting the upland sunlight. She sighs as she nestles deeper into the folds of His robe.
Master Potter approaches a mysterious golden gate with translucent white roses cascading over it. Reaching for the gate, He announces, “Beloved, many have looked for the way but it’s hidden. I’m the only one who can take you through this gate.”
The gate swings wide open as they enter through wooden gingerbread archways covered with flaxen yellow and pink roses. Lavender and blue lilac bushes emit their intoxicating perfume that hangs like a cloud of incense over the hidden gardens of Master Potter’s love.
Sweet peas entangled in iris and hollyhocks climb over a weathered lattice surrounding an old stone bench. The bench seems to welcome them, inviting intimacy and communion as they sit down in the cool evening twilight.
RESTING IN HIS LOVE
“Beloved, I just want to hold you and enjoy your company. Let’s watch the sunset together and cherish the fragrance and colors of My gardens.”
Iridescent hummingbirds dart from flower to flower, seeking the golden nectar of each lovely bloom. The lively mountain birds gather at pools of living water—springs that bubble up from deep underground wells.
Beloved is overwhelmed with peace and gratitude. “Lord, there is so much life here. For the first time I realize how lost I was.”
Master Potter receives her love with great delight. “You’ve only begun to glimpse what I have planned for you. You’ve only glimpsed the realms of beauty I long to show you.”
As the bright orange sun drops gently below the horizon, Master Potter lifts Beloved up from the stone bench and into His arms and carries her to their final destination. Night is settling in, and the light from the full harvest moon illuminates the path beneath their feet. Master Potter holds Beloved close, and she rests her head upon His chest as they climb the final incline up the mountain.
A BLAZING PILLAR OF FIRE
Nearly asleep, Beloved lifts her head to look up in amazement at a blazing pillar of fire swirling over a two-story stone and log house. As they draw near, the atmosphere becomes alive. Suddenly, Beloved is engulfed in a heavy mist of radiant glory, saturated with iridescent particles of golden light. Wispy ethereal hues, colors she’s never before experienced, dance around her.
This heavenly portal, which constantly connects Heaven and earth, swirls around the Potter’s House. Angelic worship wafts through the air with harmonious cries of “Holy, holy, holy,” echoing back and forth between the surrounding mountains. Even the rocks cry out as every object pulsates in a symphony of praise.
“Welcome to My home, Beloved.”
This mystical house is made of fragrant cedar logs and living stones. Unseen hands open beautifully carved wooden doors, and Master Potter tenderly carries Beloved over the threshold. Her hand brushes across the beautiful paneled walls releasing the sweet scent of the wood. She looks up to see huge beams of aged cedar and wonders what mysteries they have witnessed in this house.
Will Master Potter permit her to hear the tales of sovereignty and nobility the old ones have seen? What glories have these ancient beams witnessed? What transformations and amazing acts of mercy have been disclosed to these old sages of cedar?
WHAT IS MY DESTINY?
They enter an inviting room with several large windows. Old wooden shelves line the walls, displaying hundreds of different vessels. The sweet aromas of brewing tea, clay and cedar fill the room. Beloved’s eyes are drawn to a large stone-hewed fireplace where a blazing fire crackles and dances. On the great mantel are several large graceful vases, elegant pitchers and sturdy platters.
Looking at all the wonderful and unique clay pots on the Potter’s shelves, Beloved remembers the beautiful glazed vessels being loaded onto the ship. Pointing around the room, she says in awe, “Look at those colorful pitchers sitting on those top shelves over there, and those delicate wine goblets. That’s a huge serving platter! I love the set of mugs. Will I ever be beautiful like they are?”
A vision appears to Beloved as Master P
otter begins speaking to the little pot about her marvelous destiny. She sees herself as a beautiful pearlized white pitcher with royal blue filigree trimmed in gold. She is ministering to broken vessels, saving others from the Potter’s Field where she came so near to her own destruction.
In a still, small voice, Master Potter unfolds her destiny. “Beloved, I have called you to be a lovely pitcher, a prophetic voice to pour out My truth and revelation to thousands of others.”
Turning slowly around and lighting brass oil lanterns, He settles down into His soft leather chair in front of the fireplace. Master Potter wraps her in the comfort of His arms and begins to softly sing songs of destiny over her.
A deep sigh of weariness escapes Beloved as she slips off to sleep and dreams of the beautiful vessel she will become. Still, she wonders how the ugliness and brokenness of her form can ever be repaired.
PART THREE
THE POTTER’S HANDS
CHAPTER TWELVE
UNRELENTING LOVE
Early the next morning after a deep and restful sleep, Beloved awakens to see Master Potter gazing lovingly into her sleepy eyes and wonders if she’s still dreaming. Her heart leaps with joy when she sees her own image reflected in His soft brown eyes. His love feels as fresh and new as the brand new morning, and Beloved is astonished all over again by His wonderful love for her.
Master Potter opens the windows to allow the warm easterly winds to bring the sweet fragrances from His garden into the fireside room. The morning sun reflects off tiny dewdrops that glisten on every delicate velvety flower petal outside Beloved’s window. Rainbow-colored hummingbirds hover over the blossoms, taking their first drink of golden nectar for the day.
