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only God can take dust and breathe life into it
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6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. – Genesis 2:6-7
There is currently a fascinating art display up at Solid Grounds. The artist has combined a multitude of different mediums, elements, and techniques to create some very original and thought-provoking pieces. He must be an interesting person. Art always reveals something about the artist. Art is a display of what’s going on in the artist’s heart and mind. Creating art – whether it be music, poetry, painting – is a very intimate endeavor because it invites others into the sacred space of our inner life.
God is an artist, but he’s not an artist like you or me. He creates living, breathing things. Genesis 2:7 states, “then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” With a lot of effort and innovation human beings can create amazing masterpieces, but only God can take dust and breathe life into it. Scriptures affirm the relationship between God and humanity is akin to the connection between an artist and her creation. In Ephesians 2:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “For we are his workmanship.” The word translated ‘workmanship’ is from the Greek word ‘poiēma’ – which could be translated ‘poetry’ or ‘song.’ We are God’s poetry. His song. His art.
One interesting thing about art is how the price or value of each piece is sometimes determined by the identity of its creator. It doesn’t matter what Rembrandt, Picaso, da Vinci, or Van Gogh painted – it’s valuable because they did it. Now, how much more valuable is humanity if our creator is the almighty, all-powerful, all-knowing God? People have immense value and worth because they’re created by a magnificent God. And, it is precisely because all people are God’s creation that God demands we both treat others and are treated with honor and respect. God goes so far as to state that he doesn’t want our religious festivals and worship services if we’re unwilling to actively honor and value his creation (Isaiah 58). Today spend some time thinking about how you might participate with God in striving for social justice and taking part in changing the humanitarian crisis across the globe. If you are looking for some ideas, read this great article.
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
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By Ryan Paulson
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