For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
I wonder if he really knew it? I’m talking about Leonardo de Vinci. He was the painter of the infinitely famous “Mona Lisa.” It has been called “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world.” Now by any standard that is a masterpiece. It was finished around 1517 and is likely the portrait of Lisa Gherardini. Its name “Mona Lisa” would translate to Ma’am Lisa. I’m glad her name was Lisa or else we would have Mona Hazel or Mona Gertrude. Nice names but, well, you know.
But did he know it? I wonder if de Vinci realized what a powerful masterpiece he had created? Did he know the way he captured her smile, or the light would captivate the world? I suppose that in his lifetime the painting was appreciated but did it make it to rock star status? But there really is a bigger question. Did she know it?
Did Mona Lisa know that the portrait of herself was a masterpiece destined to be the most valuable painting in the world? Did she know that her slightest of smiles would capture the hearts of men and appreciation of women? Did she ever look in her mirror and see herself for what she was, a masterpiece?
Can I ask you a question? What do you see when you glance in the mirror? Do you know that the someone staring back at you is as valuable as the Mona Lisa? Do you know that even though you are not famous in the neighborhood, you are famous in the halls of heaven? It’s true.
Ephesians 2:10 is one of my absolute favorites. It seems to pop up over and again in Grits. It says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” You see an artist far more talented, far more substantial than Leonardo de Vinci created you. He carefully applied stroke after stroke and then stood back, looked at His work, and declared you a masterpiece. Declared you, yes you, a masterpiece.
Don’t ever doubt this. You are what God declares you to be. Don’t let a glance in the mirror, don’t let a harsh comment from a friend or critic, don’t let an act of unkindness steal that away. You are a masterpiece. Don’t let your crazy circumstances, your empty portfolio, the nameless brand of your clothing, or your street address, steal that away. You are a masterpiece.
In our bathroom, we have two small tiles with a few words on them. They are small in size, but the words are massive. Here is what they say, “It is not who you are that holds you back, but who you think you are not.” There is real truth and freedom in those words. So, if you are haunted by the thoughtless words of someone in your life and you are living that lie…today is freedom day. Today is name change day. You are not an accident, a mistake, or junk. You are a masterpiece. God says so.
As we move on after a fabulous Easter Sunday, remember this. Each time you worship, Easter or not—in church or not, you are praising Someone who thought so highly of you that He died for you. He.Died.For.You. And then, like whip cream and cherry on a sundae He adds a description, “masterpiece.”
God bless you today. The weather guy said it is going to be a beautiful day. It’s gonna be a great day for a masterpiece like you to step outside and enjoy what the Master Creator has made–just for you. Enjoy this day and rest in Him. No matter what…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 