Thursday, March 18, 2010

~His Magnum Opus~

Magnum Opus

I’m not even sure I’m correctly pronouncing this word but nonetheless I like the sound of it, in fact I like the definition even more. The first time I laid eyes on it was while I was pondering over an inspiring, soul-lifting composition by one of my favorite authors- Max Lucado. In this beautiful piece of writing he stated, “We are Gods magnum opus.” The explanation for this strange, yet intriguing word is: the "masterpiece" of any given author or artist. No matter how many times I ponder it I still feel unworthy of being called Gods Masterpiece, how about you?

In addition to this wonderful fragment of literature, I also found this quote in Ephesians 2:10. "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." Surely, this is something we can strive towards and while some of us, including me, are in the process of baptism we can make it our goal to be His masterpiece as we journey onward. Bear with me, please, as I bring to light the ‘other’ main reason of this update .

I hung the words ‘magnum opus’ on my bulletin board a year or so ago in hopes of seeing it from time to time and gaining inspiration from it but alas the handymen in this house seem to have gone missing and it hasn’t gotten put up yet! So I was reminded of it under the strangest circumstances-during my science class, of all places. Starting a new unit always makes for lots of interesting discussions. If you’ve ever worked with children you know that they want to share their ideas, ALL at once. While we were talking about natural and man made structures and architects one of the students hesitantly asked, “Nuh weh ihsn duh architect vuh uhs?” “Who is the architect of us humans? Then he shyly went on to answer his own question with yet another one, “Ihes duh Himble Vuhtuh?” “Is it God?” To tell you the truth I was amazed and at the same time shocked that a 7 year old would make that connection. I never even considered making that connection but due to the child-like wisdom portrayed by a student I was reminded that He truly is the greatest architect of all. We, humans build museums, skyscrapers, monuments but He created this thriving earth along with all of its inhabitants and all the while making us in His image…His masterpiece. Holding a brush, our Holy Maker lovingly coaxed the canvas to life and painted a picture too beautiful for words. So we bow down, and we worship You Lord and all the while pray for the wisdom and strength to live up to Ephesians 2:10 and to be Your ‘magnum opus’.


3 comments:

  1. Beautiful pieces of writing as always. Children's child-like wisdom is something that all of us need to hear from time to time for they see the world through rather different eyes. We can learn so much from them.

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  2. I'm thinking that when it comes to writing, I could learn so much from you...this piece is truly powerful.
    Really makes one think...especially with the question of feeling unworthy to be called God's masterpiece. But I also loved how you used the anecdote of your student to illustrate even further your thoughts on 'magnum opus'. Children truly are precious with their fresh -and inspiring- outlook on life.

    ~Thanks for posting this, liz...was a pleasure to read.~

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  3. You are the most wonderful teacher I know hun...thinking and praying for you lots. Thanks so much for posting this and making me realize that I'm not the only one feeling unworthy of being called "His Masterpiece"...

    Love you

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