Potters weren't the highest grade of workers, but the king needed potters—and therefore they were in royal service, though the material they worked was nothing but clay. We too may be engaged in the most menial part of the Lord's work, but it is a great privilege to do anything for the King! Therefore we will stay in our calling, hoping that "though we have lain among the pots, yet shall we be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold."

The text also tells us of those who dwelt among plants and hedges—rough, rustic laborers doing hedging and ditching work. They may have desired to live in the city, amid its life, society, and refinement, but they kept their appointed places. Why? They too were doing the king's work.

The place of your habitation is fixed, and you are not to remove from it out of whim and caprice. Instead, seek to serve the Lord in it by being a blessing to those among whom you reside.

And here's the glorious truth: these potters and gardeners had royal company, for they dwelt "with the king"! Though among hedges and plants, they dwelt with the king there. No lawful place, no gracious occupation, however mean, can debar us from communion with our divine Lord. In visiting hovels, swarming lodging-houses, workhouses, or jails, we go with the King. In all works of faith we may count upon Jesus' fellowship. It is when we are in his work that we may reckon upon his smile.

Ye unknown workers who are occupied for your Lord amid the dirt and wretchedness of the lowest of the low, be of good cheer! Jewels have been found upon dunghills ere now, earthen pots have been filled with heavenly treasure, and ill weeds have been transformed into precious flowers. Dwell ye with the King for his work, and when he writes his chronicles your name shall be recorded.