God and Harry Potter

The seventh and final tome in the most successful book series of all time has been written, published, and read. The books thrilled and captivated readers for a variety of reasons, all well documented. Author J.K. Rowling brilliantly and imaginatively created characters and story lines rich with depth and meaning. People of all ages worldwide have shown and will continue to show their gratitude by buying, reading, and sharing the story of "the boy who lived" with many for years to come.
It should be noted that the series has not been without controversy and concern by many who feel the books are dark in nature and promote activity in occultic practices. This writer, a concerned Christian parent of three, decided to read the first book when his son told him of the exciting book he had just picked up describing the goings-on at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and once having done so, came to his own conclusions. Many others have done the same, coming down on both sides of the argument - I respect all of the personal convictions regarding the issue, but, quite frankly want to turn the focus from the books "du jour" to the Book for all ages, the Holy Bible.
In reading from the book which bears his name, I was reminded that the prophet Jeremiah, writing some 2,500 years ago (we'll see if Ms. Rowling's writings are pertinent in the year 4500 AD!), spoke of a more important and awe-inspiring Potter. In Jeremiah 18, the prophet writes,

Jeremiah 18
At the Potter's House

1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD : 2 "Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message." 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 6 "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the LORD. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it...

The Potter described here is no fictional boy, but the sovereign King of the universe, the one true God, resplendent in abiding holiness. This Potter has no equal and needs no assistance -- he holds not only men, but nations in his hands and shapes them as He wills. In addition, this passage reminds us of our national obligation to repent and turn from our wicked ways before the judgment of God befalls us. How humbling it is for us to know that individuals are like grass which withers and blows away, here today and gone tomorrow, and that nations are like dust on the scales...But, how awe-inspiring to also know that He loves us with an everlasting love and that all mankind is created in His eternal image, designed to live forever in His loving embrace...
Enjoy the newest Potter or ignore him if you will, but never forget the Eternal Potter, the one who molds us in love, designs us with infinite care, calls us to fulfill our destiny and purpose in Him, and empowers us through the timeless victory of Jesus Christ...Even the most ardent of Potter fans must agree,if honest, that truth is indeed, greater than fiction...