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Lenten Observations, March 22, 2026 - Ephesians 2:10

 After the acclamation of pure grace in how we receive acceptance with God, Paul discusses creativity -- not ours, but God's:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. 

That is me doing verse 10 of Ephesians 2 from memory, from the old AV. Here are some updated translations: 

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV

 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. New American Standard

 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Holman Christian Standard

We are told the word translated workmanship is poema, as in work of art. This verse has a beautiful and inspiring side, and a realistic side. God considers us (the church as a whole, let's not get all "I'm special and more so than anyone else" here) a work of art He is creating until the end of time. The realistic side, maybe a little dark: it's not about us. It's not about me. Humans, for all their gifts, are a mess and not capable to moving themselves to perfection. God does that, like a master sculptor, more skilled and visionary than any Michelangelo or Rodin. 
I am thankful God is doing something I cannot see every day. 



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