Made

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

The other day, as I was flipping through the channels (going about Mach 3) and came across a show called “Made.” The premise of the show is that during each episode, one willing candidate is chosen who desperately wants to transform his or her life, and is willing to do just about anything to achieve that transformation. The subjects are given coaches, tutoring, whatever it takes to be made into what they want. When they are finished and have reached their goal, they realize they had inside what they wanted all along.

Typically we call the person who was worked hard to be or get what they want a “self-made” man. Watching that show starting me thinking about how much better it is to be a “God-made” man! Colossians 1:16 says that "by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him." There’s no denying it – God knows what He is doing when it comes to creation!

The Greek word for masterpiece (workmanship) in Ephesians 2:10 is “poeiema,” denoting that which is made. We all know that God created man (John 1:3) – spirit, soul and body. But what happened to us when we were born again? The great transformation from “self-made” to “God-made” began.

What visual picture do you get when you see the word “workmanship?” I picture a craftsman, at labor with his craft, working out the painstaking details of creating a piece that will reflect the exact image he has in his mind.

Have you ever been to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO? Every time I think of workmanship, I immediately think of the craftsmen (and women) who work there. There are many crafts to see: candlestick making, soap making, glass making. They even have a blacksmith! The amount of labor and detail that goes into making each item is absolutely incredible. These artisans know what it takes to make each piece turn out just right with the materials with which they have. They are never rushed, and the best thing is that you get to watch them while they are creating. How fascinating it is to watch the skill and dexterity with which they design, yet even more wonderful to see the love they have for their creations. No detail is spared – right down to the very presentation and wrapping.

The craftsmen never waste material. If something is defective in the process - perhaps a bubble in the glass, a defect due to varying temperatures, an abnormality, whatever it may be – they don’t just toss what they are working with in the trash and say, “Oh well, bring on the next one.” They use what they have and may start over, or incorporate the abnormality into the creation, making it more unique and beautiful than before.

The Bible says that we are His workmanship and that God is the workman. He has created us in Christ Jesus – each unique, each beautiful. No two are the same, but all equally wonderful. God didn’t piece you together haphazardly and slap a sticker on you saying “Made on Earth.” No, God is at work in you continually. You are His “poeiema”: a beautiful poem, a lengthy sonnet – not a cheap limerick!

Philippians 1:6 says that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." He is not done yet! God works and lives through his creation. His very life is in us, and with that life comes a destiny.

You are His special work of art. Unlike the craftsman, who sells his creations or admires them, God goes a step further with a deeper meaning and purpose for each person. Each unique creation comes with a unique plan; a plan to bring us a hope and a future, a plan of blessing for our lives and a plan to bring the good news to others. In fact, God’s plan for you began before you were even born.

Psalm 139:13-17 (NAS)

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!”

God’s plan for your life is especially made just for you. God always has a good plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “

It is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Don’t ever think that God has given up on you. You are precious to Him, and He wants to see all the good things He has planned for your life come to pass.

Isaiah 43:7 “ Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”