Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
A short reading today that holds so much for us. We have seen before through these weekly thoughts that God is on a different level from us and capable of works that it is just impossible for us to fully take in and appreciate.
Scripture tells us that we are God’s masterpiece. A masterpiece is defined by the scholars of this world as ‘a work done with extraordinary skill’ or ‘a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement’ or ‘a piece of work presented to a medieval guild as evidence of qualification for the rank of master’. In this world, it could be a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a piece of architecture, a performance, an opera, a dance, a piece of literature, a film or even a meal. It must demonstrate some serious skill but be exceptional in some way.
In all the above genres, it is normally a group of people that would eventually determine what would justify a masterpiece title. In the lead-up to the final decision, I’m absolutely sure there will have been agreements and disagreements, arguments and counterarguments, happiness with the eventual outcome and unhappiness with the eventual outcome for this is the way with men and women. Some of these masterpieces will be timeless and others will be temporary and superseded over time.
When an individual produces a piece of work that is eventually classed as a masterpiece, they will have already produced many other examples of their work which has failed to produce this elusive exceptional standard. In God’s case, everything he produces is a masterpiece and is exceptional in every way.
I find it hard to take in the full meaning that with belief in Jesus, we are re-created and are directed to do good works in the eyes of God that he has planned for us to do long ago. If we do good works, it is not just by accident, it has been planned by God that we should do these things. We don’t know how long ago these plans were made but is it not incredible that we are part of the master’s plan and in this case, it is our master that can truly create a masterpiece that will not fade, will not be overtaken by something new and that is truly timeless?
A learned scholar once described a masterpiece as ‘what we want the future to know about the present’, perhaps in God’s case it is ‘what we want the present to know about the future’.
Throughout the bible, we are frequently reminded that God has a plan and that we are part of that plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 says ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths.
Prayer – Heavenly Father, we praise your wonderful name, the one God that created us by your own hands. We thank you for teaching us that we are not saved by good works, but by grace through faith in Jesus. We pray that our lives will be lived by serving you as wholeheartedly as we are able in the works you have prepared for us to do, to your praise and glory. Amen
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