Masterpiece

Have you ever seen a work of art in mid-creation?

A painting with perspective markings and background shadings does not look like much--until the artist places the final stroke of color.

A sculptor's maquette is a smaller version of a monument in the works. It shows the client an approximation of how it will display--at a fraction of the size. Even as the artist begins to chisel at the large stone, there is not much of a whisper of genius as chips and chunks of marble fly.

Even a writer's Pulitzer winning piece can start out as a scribbled phrase on a scrap of paper thumb tacked to an inspiration board. It is easily lost in a sea of quotes, story ideas and scenes...until one day the writer reads it once more and inspiration strikes the wordsmith's anvil.

The Bible says we are God's masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10) In the English Standard version it is "workmanship". He is the Master sculptor freeing us from our block. We are like the unfinished works of Michelangelo...we writhe and twist as He frees us to life in Christ.

Problem is, a lot of Christ followers still believe they are a work in progress, imperfect, still striving, still working for that salvation. Like a drawing of a hand drawing itself...

There is Good News...Christ came to finish the good work that God began in you.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

And that is why I believe Jesus' final words on earth are the declaration of an artist..."It is finished."

Dear Christian, put down the brush, the pen and the chisel. You are already His work of art, a masterpiece. And you are priceless to Him.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)