"Original Masterpiece"

Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Michangelo Buonarroti. Although they share similiar names, it is clear they are "Originals!" They found the gift of God created in them and developed these gifts to the point of spectacular! Whether you are a fan of "Thriller" or supernatural flying dunks or life-like marble sculptures, it is undeniable the extraordinary talent of these men.

I was reading a book called SoulPrint by Mark Batterson. He gave this analogy which led me to some research and thoughts I wanted to share. Michelangelo said about the David (a larger than life-sized marble sculture of King David); "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." He could see the image in the rock and his role was to set it free! Now, I would say this is a unique gift and a very different perspective. If you have been to Florence, Italy, hopefully you had the chance to take in the David. I say "take in" because as I was viewing it, I believe it touched my soul. The David is the indescribable outcome of one man searching himself to find this great gift God created so then he could search into the marble to find the image of David.

In a hallway in the "Galleria dell Accademia" where the David dwells, are several pieces of Michelangelo's work called "Captives." These are partial scultures. Incomplete. Some really look like they are struggling to set themselves free from the rocks. The images in these rocks of the trapped men and women are very applicable to our spiritual walk here on earth.

In Isaiah 49:9 the Lord says; "I say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!'" Each day, I present my body, mind, soul, and spirit before the Lord so He can chisel away. I have a great fear of being trapped in darkness and not becoming all the Lord has created me to be. Maybe this comes from being born an identical twin. From this perspective, I can see the integral details even in the similiar. I spend much of my time helping others see their original qualities so they can live free!

I believe the greatest way to express the love of God and to reflect His image and glory is to be free. Free just to be me! It is a dangerous thing to put ourselves under the chisel of the wrong artist such as ourself, someone else, the pressures of culture, or public opinion, etc. This can lead to hypocrisy and lack of fulfillment. God forbid, we could end up being a cheap duplicate! God is the only artist capable of creating a human "Masterpiece." He has what it takes to free us from whatever rock is wrapped around us and holding us back. God has created us to be a "Masterpiece" unlike any other He has created. His imagination as an artist is as incomprehensible and vast as His image. Surrender into the hand of the First and Master artist! He will reveal in you His "Original Masterpiece!"

Romans 12:1; "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in the view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."