God took a Scripture I used to be scared of and made it a favorite, Ephesians 2:10.
“For we are His workmanship” – We … and that includes me … are His (God’s ) work of art. I understand that the Greek for workmanship is poema. I am a beautiful poem penned by God. I am His wonderful creation. But not only me, the word is “we”. I am a member of a community, a family that has been fashioned by God, knit together individually and corporately into a beautiful tapestry. There is a belongingness in this phrase that is such a gift. This is my identity.
“created in Christ Jesus for good works” – My creation has reason. I am sometimes tempted to ask if the good works I’m involved in are important enough. And sometimes I have wished that I could be involved in the good works I see others doing. NOT GOOD! When God leads me to a good work, it is HIS work for me and it is VERY important. It is exactly where He needs me to be. When I take my eyes off God and look at the works of others, I’m learning that that is a major act of Un-trust. Not good! This is my purpose.
“which God prepared beforehand” – Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; …” This is an amazing thought to me. Although God was speaking these words about the prophet Jeremiah, I believe He was speaking them for me as well. God knew me before He formed me in my mother’s womb. And with that knowledge before I was even born God consecrated me. He had dibs on my life before I was introduced to my earthly family. WOW! This is my security.
“that we should walk in them” – We should walk – not run. How often I am tempted to think it needs to be done now. I need to invite them for dinner this week. I need to call her today. I am so tempted to run. The urgency can be overwhelming and tiring and not necessary or good. If indeed these are God’s good works that He prepared for me to do and if He is asking me to walk, I will trust and walk. This is my pace.
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, …” Jeremiah 29:11
Oh Sue! What great thoughts! I love how you point out this verse is plural - I just realized I've been reading it as if it were singular all these years! How beautiful to think I'm not just a work of art myself but part of something so much bigger! And do I ever need that reminder to walk in those good works and not run! Thanks again for sharing! Have you ever got the wheels rolling in my head!
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