Articles
Created in Christ Jesus
Have you ever read poetry and thought to yourself, "What does this mean that I am reading? What’s the meaning behind it what’s going on?" Well today I hope we can address our own poetry--of life.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
The word translated “workmanship” (poiema) means that which has been made or is the result of someone’s work. The noun occurs only twice in the New Testament, and in both instances it is used of God’s creative activity. In Romans 1:20 it is rendered “the things that are made” (ASV) and refers to the material creation.
Did you know that you are skillfully crafted? So, how am I pleasing my Maker? Am I walking according to his will? The Scritpures say, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). But this being made “a new creation” takes place only in union with Christ Jesus. We were “created in Christ Jesus.”
Are you in union with Christ Jesus?
God has a plan for every life, therefore one for mine;
He is the architect and I would for His glory shine;
And yield so fully to His will that He may it unfold:
I know His ways are infinite, His goodness is untold.
It is the very best that He could do for me in love,
His thoughts are higher far than mine, He seeth from above;
His ways I may not comprehend, but I can surely trust;
I know that He is merciful, most gracious, wise and just. {124}
I do not want to thwart His plan by wilfulness, nor grieve
My loving Friend, who knoweth best, but humbly would receive
All that befalls me every day, as coming from His hand,
And thank Him when I may not see or fully understand.
It all will work for glory to His holy, blessed Name,
And through the ages yet to come His grace He will proclaim
By all His kindness unto me, through Christ, who saved by grace,
And I shall fully see His plan when I behold His face.
Yes, I am now His workmanship, created for His own,
He has prepared my works for me, they are of Him alone;
I simply have to yield to Him, and He will work in me,
And show in me His wondrous grace, now and eternally.
—A. E. R. 12
A.E.R., THOUGHTS OF PEACE And Other Poems, (Harrisburg, PA: Fred. Kelker, 1910), p. 35
