Masterpiece

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Masterpiece

by Danette Reeves

It is said that Beethoven’s masterpiece was Eroica (heroic), but many of us would say it was Moonlight Sonata. Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece was The Starry Night, painted while he was a patient in a mental institution. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is considered to be the masterpiece of French Gothic Architecture. The album "Pet Sounds" is considered the Beach Boys' masterpiece, ushering in their careers (and philosophy). A masterpiece affects people, it moves them, and it causes them to respond. The author, composer, artist, or creator (and the Creator) pour themselves into their masterpieces. We can see in their works part of them, who they are, and what they were experiencing.

Webster's Dictionary defines a masterpiece as “a work done with extraordinary skill, especially: a supreme intellectual or artistic achievement.” Paul used the word “poiema” (masterpiece) only twice in his writings in the New Testament. Romans 1:20 states, “For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made [poiema]. So, they are without excuse.” Scripture tells us here that everything God created, His workmanship, and His masterpiece, shows us His power, His divine nature, and His attributes.

The other scripture in which Paul uses “poiema” is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship [masterpiece], created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Isn't that amazing! God chooses to show His attributes, His heart, His eternal power, and His divine nature in us! We are His masterpiece! We keep affecting people and keep moving them by walking out the works He has already prepared for us. Our lives are supposed to cause people to respond.

These questions quickly arise: What response is my life eliciting? Am I showing others God's attributes through the fruit of the Spirit, or am I turning people away from the Gospel by my actions? Am I walking in His good works, or am I trying to be my own master going my own way? Am I living as a child of God or a child of this world? How we answer these questions will show us where our hearts are.

There is one more thing that stands out to me in these two passages. God created us individually—no mass marketing product. He chose our eye colors, our talents, and our personalities all to show His attributes. He chose and prepared the works He wants us to live out. However, there is only one masterpiece. We are His masterpiece and His workmanship. Who is this we? The Body of Christ. The Bride of Christ. The Church. The tapestry is woven using many strings, but there is only one masterpiece. What does this say to me? Community. We work together. We need each other. We love and care for each other. We are one body. We are His masterpiece.

About The Author Danette Reeves and her husband, Charlie, live in Cleveland, TN. They attend The Church at Grace Point. One of their joys is being Oma and Opa to four grandchildren. Her heart’s desire is to be a student and a teacher of the Word, and a consistent follower of Jesus.