The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is widely looked upon as the most famous painting in the world.

 

By some historical estimates, the Mona Lisa took as many as 16 years to finish! Capturing Mona Lisa’s famous smile on a poplar plank was no hack job; Leonardo accepted a commission for the work in the year 1503, and completed his masterpiece around the time of his death in 1519. Clearly, this level of artistic achievement takes time.

 

When you hear the word “masterpiece,” what do you think of?

 

A famous painting? A beautiful building? Your child’s latest artwork?

 

What about a giant sequoia tree? A symphony? A pink flamingo? The intricate, miraculous design of the human heart?

 

Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

 

Before you were even born, God knew you, and had a plan for your life. He created you for a purpose, and He considers you one of his personal works of art. You are a living, breathing miracle capable of wonderful things — God’s own masterpiece.

 

Let’s pray.

 

God, we thank you and praise you that in all of creation, you have chosen to make us in your image, and to fashion us as a masterpiece — a work of art designed with care. Help us to be worthy of your effort. Amen.