For we are Gods handiwork (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
I was recently thinking about Lenny Le Blancs song there Is None Like You, the words of which are so poignant:
No one else can touch my heart
like You do
I could search for all eternity long
And find there is none like You
These words are based on a prayer of King David, Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. (Psalm 86:8)
As I reflected on this prayer it was the second half of the verse that caught my attention: no deeds can compare with yours.
While this verse affirms that there is no god like our God, it also exclaims that Gods deeds are the greatest. When the Jewish Rabbis reflected on this verse they concluded that Gods greatest deed, or more accurately, Gods greatest creation, is humanity.
This means that in all creation there is none like us for we are Gods finest handiwork.
The actual word Paul uses in Ephesians is Poeima which means a work that has been made and from which some have seen the link with the English word poem. Hence The Voice translation reads For we are the product of His hand, heavens poetry etched on lives, created in the Anointed, Jesus.
Knowing that you and I are Gods masterpieces (see The New Living Translation), that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that [Gods] works are wonderful (Psalm 139:14) should give us such a positive view of who we are and of our value and worth to God.
The trouble is we so often see ourselves as a poem that doesnt rhyme, a fine piece of porcelain thats cracked, or an oil painting thats faded over the years.
If thats how you see yourself today, dont despair, dont give up, just remember that you are a work in progress and that God hasnt finished with you yet.
God is creating in you a work of unique art, and you could search for all eternity long and find there is none like you.
Prayer
Father, thank you that each one of us is precious and valuable in your sight. Create in us something beautiful in Christ Jesus reflecting your likeness and love.
Amen.
Have a good week appreciating your value.
Pastor Barry