God as Artist

I've been captured by a thought Johannes shared in his message Saturday night.

Two things determine the value of a painting.

• The Artist: A painting by Davinci is valuable because of Davinci.
• The Buyer: Ultimately a painting is only worth what someone will actually pay for it.

People are God's Masterpiece.  Just look here--or here.  And because of God people are worth something.

Are you ready?  This might make you shout!

God is both artist and buyer!

• God is the artist--He created you as a masterpiece.
• God's masterpiece's have been stolen--Smuggled away by an enemy and disfigured by sin.
• So God became the buyer--He came to earth to purchase his own paintings.

Think about your spouse; your neighbor; your boss.  He's worth something.  She's worth something.

One more thought.  If God is an artist, and every person is His masterpiece, then the local church is an art gallery. 

Pastor--Think about this when you're preaching this weekend.  Look into the faces of God's people.  Do you see their value to God?

Small group leader--Think about this as you prepare your home and your heart.  Look at each person in your living room.  Do you see their value to God?

Nursery volunteer--Think about this as you hold that baby on Sunday morning.  Look into her eyes.  Do you see her value to God?

Follower of Jesus--Think about this as you move around your community today.  You're surrounded by priceless works of art.  And God wants them back

Comments

[Craig T. Owens]

Brad,

Beautifully stated!

I have had this quote in my files for awhile. It's from Charles Crabtree in his book "The Pentecostal Priority" -- “Jesus Christ came into this world to reveal the true value of the human being. He saw every person as a masterpiece, made in the image of God, but eternally lost. …We must pray for an army of spiritual ‘appraisers’ who will see people as God sees them.”

My prayer is that God will help me to be an excellent appraiser!

[Mike Kelliher]

and in so doing open your 'floodgates' thru me, Oh Lord, for the LOVE you have for them...

thanks, Brad, Craig - that's good stuff!

[Kelly L. Mosher]

Oh yeah, some are waters, some oil, chalks. Solid gold frames and splintered ply. Some have the original work covered over by attempted do-overs. We couldn't purchase the art but we 'broker' in a sense. Buy low, sell high. Market rallies through love.