stephen R Harrison

Poetry has always been interesting to me and that has everything to do with the English and literature classes I took in high school. My high school literature teachers were tough but they helped me understand the meaning behind the poetic lines. Looking back, their classes were probably college level and when I went to college I sailed through English Literature and Composition. Thanks Mrs. Doggett and Mrs. Richardson. One of the authors whose literary works are most studied is William Shakespeare. Did you know Shakespeare referenced over 40 books of the Bible and over 1,500 Scriptures in his works? The poetry, workmanship, and masterpieces of Shakespeare will forever be studied and admired.

Did you know God refers to us as His “poems”? He says we are His workmanship and masterpieces. When God created man, He said His creation was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). We are, after all, made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Ephesians 2:10 says, “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.” The New Testament was originally written in Greek and the word “masterpiece” here is the Greek word “poiema”. It’s where the word “poem” is derived. Do you hear God saying, “You are my poem” in this verse? Hear Him say, “There is not another one like you. You are not a copy, you are my very own original handiwork and masterpiece and I have crafted you in such a way as to speak through you as my unique workmanship”. Now that should add some worth to your life! You have been made by the Master Craftsman! My poems aren’t valuable compared to those of Shakespeare but think about this: the God who made one of the greatest poets of all time crafted something greater than Shakespeare ever could. He made you – His greatest poem!

Have you ever considered that in Christ, you are a new creation, artfully and skillfully crafted (2 Corinthians 5:17)? I heard someone once say our lives are the paper the Master is writing His work of art on and they will praise Him throughout the ages. Need to feel valuable? You are God’s work of art, His masterpiece, His poem. That’s how priceless you are to God. All art has some value, beauty, and is an expression of its author’s heart. God, the Master Artist, said we are His crowning achievement. You are a Tailor-made, one of a kind, custom designed work of art. Now, don’t get full of yourself. That’s not God’s intention. Your value comes from Him and should be used for and ascribed to Him. He is the Potter and you are the clay (Isaiah 64:8, Jeremiah 18). Remember as God’s masterpiece you were not meant to be hidden, lost, or forgotten. He wants His handiwork to shine through your life to others so praise can return to the Master Artist. A poem or piece of art is only valuable because of the one who made it and God made you valuable! You are His handiwork, masterpiece, work of art. You are God’s poem!