Amazing GraceSample

God’s Masterpiece

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10, ESV). 

Many years ago, I preached in the congregation where renowned Australian artist Pro Hart was a member. After church, he said, ‘Come around home and I’ll give you a painting.’ 

Pro had been dramatically converted a few years previously and was now a vibrant Christian. He had an extensive art Gallery at his house with many valuable paintings on display, including his own; but he led my wife and me to a shed in his backyard where he rummaged around and pulled out two sheets of chipboard, worth a few dollars at the most.

When he turned them around, however, there were beautiful paintings on the other side. He finished up giving us both of them. 

I thought immediately of our text today. ‘We are God’s workmanship…’ The word is poiema from which we derive the word ‘poem’. In ourselves, we are nothing more valuable than old pieces of wood but when God takes hold of us, he transforms us into works of art! To be God’s workmanship means that something wonderful has happened to us. 

After being in the shed, both paintings were dusty and scratched. But they were still ‘Pro Harts’ and later we had the damage repaired and the paintings beautifully framed. Similarly, in this life, there are still imperfections. The final work in us has yet to be perfected. We are not yet in heaven. 

The quality of any piece of art depends on the skill of the artist. The fact that a painting is signed ‘Pro Hart’ is enough for most people. When God makes something, his skill is more than enough. Who dares to question the quality of what God does!

Imagine if you were to look in the mirror one morning, and the person you saw there was recognisably you, but completely without blemish. No scratches, no dry skin, no wrinkles or blotches, shiny eyes, tidy hair, perfect shape. Spiritually, this is how things are with us. When we look into God’s mirror, we see ourselves as he sees us, complete in Christ (James 1:23-25). So we need such a faith-image of ourselves. To see by faith what God sees.

Through Jesus we are God’s workmanship. This is amazing grace.

What next?

1. If you are God’s poiema, what would you like him to be saying through you to people who ‘read’ you? Name three things.

2. Which imperfections would you like God to remove in the artwork of your life?

3. In what ways might your faith-image differ from the real you?