Forrest Brown attempted to discern the ten most famous paintings in the world, in an article he wrote in 2019. His approach was to see which paintings topped search results on Google over the previous five years. It is almost certain that you know of many of these paintings and can see them in your imagination as you read their names. Even someone not very familiar with art knows about Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa", or his depiction of "The Last Supper". There was also van Gogh's "The Starry Night". Other top ten paintings were "The Scream", Picasso's "Guernica", "The Kiss", "Girl With a Pearl Earring", "The Birth of Venus", "Las Meninas", and Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam". If some of those titles were unfamiliar to you, a look at the painting will unveil familiarity.
I don't know what it takes to create a masterpiece. If I drew a picture for you, you'd likely believe it came from the hand of a 1st grader. Those who are drawn to the world of art have an idea of what they are looking for in the creation of beauty and imagination. They can gaze at a painting for hours, finding shades of meaning in the details a casual observer will miss. This was Henri Noun's experience, which resulted in his book, The Return of the Prodigal, a spiritual examination of Rembrandt's famous painting by the same name.
Whatever humans can design, I am confident that the One who designed creation itself knows and appreciates every layer of beauty and strength in what is created. And that includes you. Listen to what Apostle Paul wrote:
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. - Ephesians 3:20, NLT
We may not always feel like a masterpiece, but we are God's creation. The work He has done in our hearts was initiated by Jesus. We are not a palette of oil paints waiting for an artist to make use of us. The work has begun! If I can imagine the beauty of Eden, then I can see what our God is capable of creating. If I can see the Milky Way or be captivated by the tides as I stand at the edge of the ocean, I can comprehend that in the hands of the Creator, anything is possible.
Unlike paintings hanging in museums, we are a masterpiece created to fulfill the mission and promise of our Creator. Long before He ever began to form us into being, he had a plan to save the world. First, through the work of Christ on the cross. Then, through the Jesus-formed people who bring the image of the Savior into the dark and lost world.
...And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. - 2 Corinthians 3:18, NLT
Michelangelo's painting on the Sistine Chapel, over time became damaged by candle smoke and layers of varnish. A multi-year restoration project was unveiled by Pope John Paul II on April 8, 1994. He said, in part, "...it also expresses in a certain way, the hope of a world transfigured, the world inaugurated by the Risen Christ."
In our lifetimes, we experience some damage, and often need restoration. We are thankful that God is not only in the creating business, but the recreating business! He "makes us more and more like him" as we continue on our spiritual growth path. As such, when Jesus returns and the renewal of all things (Matthew 19:28) takes place, I have no doubt we will be amazed at the masterpiece revealed both in ourselves and in those around us.
Never forget who you are in the hands of One who creates, recreates, and saves.
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Amen! I have never grasped (even when several have taught different thoughts) what exactly is meant by "WE" /Man" was created in Gods image. I dont understand. I guess its my human mind. Because we are not like animals or plants? I hope someone can help me get a better understanding. Maybe it is my life experiences that confuses me.
I enjoyed your writing on this John. I am not an artist; I just know what I like. What Im not crazy about.
Excellent! Your analogies are first rate!