Redeemed for Work: Masterpieces
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 2:1-10
We are . . . created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
It is said that when Michelangelo, the great Renaissance sculptor, looked at an ordinary piece of marble, he envisioned his masterpiece long before he put chisel to stone. In his mind, his creation existed even before he began to create.
Did you know that God, the greatest artist, has a glorious vision for each of his masterpieces, including you and me?
Long before creation, God had a purpose for our lives. The apostle Paul tells us that we are God’s work of art. He has been busy fashioning us in Christ to be his masterpiece. But God did not create us merely for display. God has created us so that, in turn, we too become artisans. We are saved by God’s grace so that we will fulfill the plan God has had for us from the beginning.
What plan is that? First, the good works God has prepared for us include a life of holiness. And, remember, God created us to work: to cultivate his garden and to draw out the potential embedded in creation. Though sin has damaged and distorted that plan, Jesus’ work on the cross has redeemed it. We are re-created so that we may fulfill God’s original purpose for work! How are you doing the good works God has prepared in advance for you?
Jesus, our Redeemer, we are in awe of the way you re-create broken people like us to be your masterpieces. Help us to honor you each day by doing the works you have prepared in advance for us to do. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as the pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2005. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he serves with International Theological Education Ministries, teaching pastors around the globe how to be effective preachers. He and his wife, Amy, have three children, and they enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
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