Paris’ Louvre is a highly sought-after tourist destination. I spent many walking tours showing friends and family the quickest way to the Louvre from our Paris apartment. Everyone wanted to see it. The glass pyramid is undoubtedly a favorite location for capturing frame-worthy photographs. Why? Because of all the artistry and masterpieces contained in the Louvre’s walls.
Of course, the Mona Lisa was the most sought-after painting to see. Whenever I asked my guests for their opinion on the Mona Lisa, they almost always described it as unimpressive. It is small. Not at all what is expected. But they were glad they had been close to de Vinci’s masterpiece.
Have you ever read Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s masterpiece,” and wondered, could he be talking about me? At times I certainly don’t feel like a masterpiece. There are days I feel small and unimpressive-just like Mona. Fortunately for us, Ephesians 2:10 doesn’t end there. Paul says He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the things he planned for us long ago.
There are several redeeming statements we need to pay attention to here. The first is that He created us anew in Christ Jesus. The “in Christ” part of the verse is a game-changer for us. The regeneration and renewal that is part and parcel of being in Christ is the key to being His masterpiece. When we are in Christ, we are changed from a person in bondage to sin and death to a person filled with the Holy Spirit with a river of life flowing from us. Being a masterpiece isn’t about who we are in the flesh but about God’s regenerative touch on our lives, making us His piece of art. Now that is a masterpiece ready for service.
The second thing to remember is that he made plans for us long ago. He was thinking about us long before we thought of us. Isn’t that a mind-boggling thought? He isn’t pacing back and forth in heaven, wondering what new assignment he can drum up for us. He planned those assignments long ago. He made plans for us to serve Him, our families, and each other. His plan for each of us is prepared in advance. These are plans that are full of fruit and ready to be accomplished.
Viewing the Mona Lisa is not about its beauty or size but rather the opportunity to be near a piece crafted by the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is de Vinci’s fame that makes the Mona great. It is the same with us. Our worth is not in our flesh and blood. No, our worth is in the One who made us. Our value is that the God of heaven formed and sculpted us with a purpose that he planned long ago. Now that is a divine design worthy of being called a masterpiece!
Anne Farnum 