God’s Poetry

“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.” (NLT)

 

I think it’s fair to say I consider this one of my life verses.

 

After all, it reveals God’s purpose in creating us — He planned that we would do good things from the moment He created us. And, since He is omniscient and omnipotent and exists outside the boundaries of time, that means you and I were created with purpose and direction from before anything and everything ever began. 

 

If you’ve ever searched for meaning and purpose in life, it just doesn’t get better than that. 

 

Now, many of you will probably notice that I quoted the New Living Translation for this particular verse. And, yes, the NLT is the only translation I know that uses the word “masterpiece” in that first sentence. Most other versions use “workmanship.” The NIV uses “handiwork,” and a couple of translations just say we are His creation.

 

But a friend of mine recently posted that the Greek word in that verse is ποίημα (poiēma), which according to Strong’s Concordance means, “ A thing made, a work, workmanship. From poieo; a product, i.e. Fabric.” 

 

Now, while it would strictly seem that “workmanship” would be the closest match, there’s something else going on here.  You see, “poiema” is the same word from which we derive our English word, “poem.” The root word is “poiesis” in Greek, which means “to make.”

 

So, suddenly that verse has even deeper meaning. 

 

If you and I are God’s poetry, I think I need to stop and think about who I am in God’s eyes a little more deeply. 

 

It’s not uncommon to hear people talk about how messed up they are, and you don’t have to wait long at all to hear someone going off on how messed up the whole world is. (Except for you and me, of course.) And yes, we do live in a fallen world…

 

But if we are that bad and awful and utterly hopeless, why would God Himself die for us in such a horribly painful and humiliating way? Why would He give His life for me? Or you?

 

And what about verses like Zephaniah 3:17 where it says God rejoices over us with singing? What about all of heaven rejoicing and singing when one lost sinner gets saved? (Luke 15:10) 

 

If I am a poem God wrote from before He made the universe and everything in it, I might just have to rethink how I approach this life –and what I have left of it.

 

And if you are a poem God penned to show off His majesty and beauty and wisdom, well… maybe I might have to rethink your value and worthiness as a human being before I throw you under the bus because I disagree with some aspect of your theology, or your politics, or the brand of car you drive. 

 

Maybe God loves poetry. Come to think of it, there’s a whole lot of it in the Bible, especially in that book called “Psalms.” 

 

And, although I don’t sit around in hipster coffee shops reading or listening to poetry while snapping my fingers, I sure enjoy a song praising Him with lyrics that lift my heart and help me see things His way.

 

So, maybe –just maybe– there’s a little part of me that enjoys a good poem every once in a while, too. Maybe I can try to be a better poem more often. 

 

 

Today’s Praise

Zephaniah 3:17

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (NLT)