Poiema

Below is an article I wrote for the upcoming newsletter at Midlane Park ARP Church.

When I was a new Christian in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, one of my favorite Christian musicians was Michael Card. You may not be familiar with him or his music, but Michael Card is a graduate of Western Kentucky, and one of his songs (“El Shaddai”) even made its way into our church hymnal. His music is especially meaningful to my wife and me: Anna and I had a friend sing Michael Card’s song “Arise My Love” (based on the Song of Solomon) at our wedding.

In 1994, Michael Card released a CD with the unusual title of “Poiema.” At that time, I was probably like most of you: I had no idea what it meant! Poiema is a Greek word that appears in Ephesians 2:10, where Paul says, “We are His [God’s] workmanship.” The word refers to something that is created or made. It is also used in Romans 1:20 to refer to God’s creative works. Interestingly, the English word poem is derived from this Greek word (although saying we are God’s “poem” doesn’t sound quite right!).

The implications are pretty clear: we are created by God. He is like a master builder, and we are His special project, created by His loving hand. We were created in His image to glorify Him in all that we do. The teaching of Ephesians 2:8-10 is that we are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that this is completely and totally from God. But we were created and redeemed in Jesus Christ not only for salvation, but also for works. Although we are not saved by doing good works, Paul is telling us that our salvation in Jesus Christ will be followed by good works – works ordained by God and done to His glory. As I heard another pastor say recently, “Faith has tracks.” If we believe in Christ, this will affect the way we live. If He is at work in us, then our lives will reflect that.

In other words, God has a purpose for the lives of His people. Unlike the teaching of the world, which looks at life as little more than a cosmic accident, God created us and cares for us and demonstrates that to us in that He has sent His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. And God’s ultimate purpose in our lives is that we might be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). The goal is that we be like Christ!

God is cares for His people and we are not accidents. We are His poiema.

Here is a video of Michael Card performing “El Shaddai.”