His Masterpiece

~ Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Several years ago, Debi and I had the chance to be in France.  One of the impacting memories of our experience was the various renditions of historical art . . . paintings, sculptures, architecture, photography music . . . but, the streets were also filled with expressive examples of designers dreams.  Although each had its own uniqueness, there was a commonality . . . each creation had a creator . . . every expression of art had an artist . . . every piece had a master.

Paul reminds the Christ followers in Ephesus, “For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Eph 2:10)  Ephesus was an Ancient Greek city that became a cultural center in the Roman Empire.   This third largest city in the Empire was the home to The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  It was a city of craftsman, artisans and artists.  The Ephesians understood the cultural contribution of a creative community.

He Is The Master.  Paul refers to himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus”. (Rom1:1)  We refer to God as our Master not because of compulsion, but because of compassion.  Our search for significance has been satisfied.  His love has completed our conquest for consideration.  Paul writes, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Rom 8:37)   He came to seek and save those who were lost. (Luke 19:10)  He came to “proclaim the captives released”. (Is 61:1)  He came to “set the oppressed free”. (Luke 4:18)  He is Sovereign . . . He is Savior . . . and, He is Superior.  Take a look at a sunrise introducing a new day.  Stare at a new born baby who has just entered this world.  Sit with a tragic life who’s story has just been re-written with new hope.  Our God is the Master Artist, Author and Advocate.

We Are His Masterpiece.  He is Master Creator, “So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17)  As a potter sculpts with clay, so God moves us, molds us, and makes us into His masterpiece.  Isaiah writes, “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” (Is 64:8).  I remember an old saying, “God don’t make no junk!”   We are not thrown out trash . . . we are His treasure.  We may be a mess . . . but we are His message of grace, hope and mercy.

We Are A Part Of His Masterplan.  We are created to do the good works He has planned in eternity past.  “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11).  Ancient world historian Tertullian reported the Romans saying, “See how they (Christians) love one another!” (Apology, chapter 39). Justin Martyr wrote, “We who used to value the acquisition of wealth and possessions more than anything else.  Now we bring what we have into a common fund and share it with anyone who needs it. We used to hate and destroy one another and refused to associate with people of another race or country. Now, because of Christ, we live together with such people and pray for our enemies” (First Apology, Chapter 14).  We win the world by winning their hearts.