God's Workmanship!

God's Workmanship!

For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is taken from the letter written by Paul to the church in Ephesus. As always, the audience is the target, and it has to be the consideration for us, if we are to determine the scope and extent of our involvement. Just before today's verse, Paul writes about the grace of salvation, and how we have come to the knowledge of God, not by works first, but by faith. If men were to earn salvation by net worth or bank account balance, a lot of us would be dead today. If we were to deserve grace by how much we did, it would be a means to pride that ' I worked for what I got'. Thank God it is first and foremost about faith in Jesus. No man alive today was there when Christ died on the cross, yet that sacrifice made centuries ago continue to work wonders in the lives of all who surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. That is the foundation to the verse above, and the benefits and realities stated above only work for those who are under its influence, direction and control.

The Message:

It is these surrendered people who have access to the benefits of the information above. We are God's own workmanship, the visible display of His invisible power and grace. These words 'workmanship' and 'handiwork' portray the picture of skill and technique in making me. I am not the product of an accident, but of careful and deliberate eternal planning. I am not a one-season wonder, but the product of divine wisdom, purposed and planted for impact in the dispensation or generation I have been placed. My being born is not just an event, but the discovery and continuous fulfilment of the purpose of God for my life. It will not be sorted out by accident, but it will be the result of discovery and pursuit. All of these things are only possible when the man is IN Christ Jesus. How else can I fulfil God's purpose if I am not submitted to the One who has the plan and program for my life? That is what being born again means; after physical birth comes the spiritual birth, which opens the door for me to walk into and perform the purpose for which Christ took hold of me.

The Conclusion:

The right order is important. You don't talk about the good works, unless and until the part of being born again is sorted. This present generation is all about effects; we want to impress and oppress others, but because God is not in it, it usually ends up in depression. With God, it is first about the internal. The part about the good works comes later. God had predestined us to do these good works, but these works have a peculiar context. I must not forget that these good works are a function of my creation and submission to Christ, not what I want them to be. These good works are not about pointing attention to or promoting myself, but about drawing men's attention to the One who calls me to serve and work for Him. After all, a good employee is one who promotes the interests of the employer, and brings profit to the employer. God is awesome, and His power is beyond limits, yet he seeks to work in and through me to impact his world. It is an awesome privilege, and my daily life must reflect that understanding and appreciation. Do I know who this God is? Have I submitted to His plan? God's time of favour is here.