MASTERPIECE

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV

The Greatest Story of all time. First chapter, except for backstory, is Christmas. Baby Jesus in a manger, wise men and shepherds, running for His life from Herod. Then His journey, His ministry, more enemies, the drama of His death and resurrection.

But the Story doesn’t end there.

Get this! You and I—and the sweet old man next door, and that brother-in-law or coworker nobody can stand—are chapters! We’re in the Greatest Story Ever Told.

Famous—at least in Heaven.

When an author gets a live idea and lets the characters tell the story, it draws readers into can’t-put-it-down sleepless nights. All we authors have to do is edit and polish.

Jesus, Master Author, does that with us. He lets us choose our paths, backtrack, stumble, make U-turns—but He’s there, watching over us, rooting for us, rescuing, weaving us into the Story, editing, polishing, making everything work together for good to us who love Him.

Me, a story—and I get to choose what I say and do. Will I be bold and decisive, or wishy-washy? Will I be kind or cruel? Hurtful or helpful? Will I live with purpose, or squander my days? Will my words be honest or contradictory? Rambling or straight-on? Better choose wisely. After all, I’m the only Bible many people will ever read.

Sometimes I choose well, sometimes not. Don’t know about you, but I need to go back to the Author pretty often for some more editing. When He’s finished, though, when I’m complete and polished, I’ll be a masterpiece within the Masterpiece.

And the Never-Ending Story still doesn’t end. Home—and the sequel begins.

Avi, my Creator, I want to write great stories like none that have been written before, stories that will reach deep into the heart of seekers and show them who You are. But even more than that, I want to be an amazing story, a word of truth written by the Word who is God. In Your holy name, Amen.