October 20

" W e are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10

Twice this word, here translated “workmanship” is used in the epistles of Paul. In Romans 1:20 it is translated “things that are made.” It is the Greek word poima, from which we get our English word “poem.” A poem is a well-constructed literary piece—the work of a master mind. In Romans 1 we see the creation as God’s great epic poem. In Ephesians 2 we have the poem of redemption.

‘Twas great to call a world from naught,

‘Twas greater to redeem.

Each saved one is, so to speak, a syllable in this great masterpiece, this marvellous poem that tells out as nothing else could the wondrous wisdom and grace of God, How lyrical should be our lives as we enter into and appreciate this!

No good in creatures can be found,

All, all is found in Thee;

We must have all things and abound,

Through Thy sufficiency.

Thou that hast made our heaven secure

Wilt here all good provide;

While Christ is rich, can we be poor— Christ who for us has died’?

O Lord, we cast each care on Thee,

And triumph and adore;

Oh that our great concern may be

To love and praise Thee more!

—Ryland