God’s Masterpiece

Recently I watched part of a television programme about a painting which had been found on a rubbish tip. Wanting to know whether the ‘find’ was valuable or not the person who had found it took the painting to an expert for his opinion. The art expert recognised the style of painting and suggested that the painting was cleaned, restored and valued. This done, the painting was authenticated as an original and valued in excess of £100,000.

Arrangements were made to put the picture on sale, but in the meantime much had to be done to determine the possible existence of a legal owner of the painting. As the day of the sale approached no evidence seemed forthcoming to identify anyone who might have a legal claim to the ownership of the picture. The person who had found it was very excited at the prospect of receiving the proceeds of the sale because apparently in British law unless someone can legally prove otherwise, the finder of such an item is entitled to keep it.

But within hours of the sale taking place a challenge for rightful ownership was made and the sale had to be stopped. From what I understand the legal dispute which ensued still hasn’t been resolved three years later.

This whole story reminded me of the verse from Ephesians chapter two which tells us that we are God’s masterpiece. Personally, I prefer masterpiece to workmanship as used in other versions as I feel it implies a greater sense of worth, value and significance.

Each one of us is very special and precious to Him. We are not just another job on a project list but someone He has created for His pleasure. Not only has he made us, but when we were lost and away from Him, He found us, bought us back, cleaned us up, and is now restoring us and giving us a purpose - to display His glory. ‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’ (1 Peter 2:9).

Although God is our rightful owner, having made us and bought us, Satan still challenges for ownership. But the truth is that the full price has been paid- the wounds of Jesus prove it! And they are priceless!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for paying the price for me. Thank You for all You have done, all You are doing and all You will do in the restoration process of making me more like You. In Your ‘gallery of saints’ help me to be a masterpiece that You can be proud of. Amen.