Jonathan McReynolds shares in this behind-the-song video that "Cathedral" is about the way God makes His home in us and subsequently transforms us to be more like Him. The song reminds me of Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) which says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Let's talk about what it means to be God's masterpiece.
Make a cathedral out of me
#1 Masterpieces are works in progress. I don't have a perfect record/I still have a blemished heart/I don't have much worth without Ya/I am good because You are
What comes to mind when you think of a masterpiece? I don't know about you, but I immediately think about the finished product. We tend to marvel at the finished product and not think as much about how this epic work of art started.
A masterpiece starts with small beginnings. A few lyrics to a song recorded in a voice memo. A few lines of prose for a book written on a page. A few strokes of paint on a canvas.
If we are God's masterpiece, that means we are works in progress too, and that's not a bad thing. Being a work in progress means that God is working on you and me in so many ways: shaping our character, healing our hearts, teaching us lessons, bringing us into purpose, orchestrating our relationships, growing our knowledge of Him.
#2 Masterpieces require dedication. I feel small just talking to Ya / Wondering what You think of me / I don't have too much to say / You still listen when I sing / Take this lump of clay and make Yourself an instrument
Even with everything we just discussed in mind, let's be real–it's easy to get discouraged and frustrated with ourselves in the process of God growing us and shaping us. One of the biggest struggles in my walk with God has been believing that He still loves me and delights in me even in my weaknesses and mistakes.
One day, God highlighted to me this verse in the Bible and it changed everything.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
I love the way this verse expresses God's commitment to us. He doesn't lose patience with us. He doesn't give up on us when we make mistakes. He's not put off by our weaknesses. His love for us doesn't fluctuate based on our performance.
God began a good work in you and me by drawing our hearts to faith in Him at salvation. And He will stick with us, continuing His work in our lives until it's completed on the day Jesus comes back. If you're frustrated with your own shortcomings and mistakes today, know this: God isn't going anywhere. He loves you and He's committed to you.
#3 Masterpieces glorify their creator. Make a believer out of me / Make a man of God out of me / Make a worshipper out of me
When you catch glimpses of a masterpiece in progress or as a finished product, doesn't it cause you to grow in appreciation for the person who created it? As a music lover, I think about how much I love seeing behind-the-scenes glimpses of a song being created or the creative design for a stage show being conceptualized as much as I love the finished song or production.
Wherever you are in your process of being shaped by God, when others catch a glimpse of His work in your life, it will draw their hearts to praise God. (Psalm 40:1-3) Maybe that person is a believer and what they witness God doing in your life will show them an aspect of God's character they've never seen before or filled them with faith for what God can do in their own life. Maybe it's an unbeliever who is curious about God because they see Him at work in you.
Final Word Let these truths encourage you! You are the dwelling place of God's presence and you're in the hands of the most awesome Creator there ever was, being formed into His work of art.
Find "Cathedral" on Jonathan McReynolds' latest EP, People. Buy it on Apple Music or stream it on Spotify. Read the full lyrics of "Cathedral" here.
NRT contributor Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong fan of Christian music who is passionate about helping others connect with Christ. She lives in Kansas City where she serves in college ministry and runs a blog to help seekers and believers discover and live biblical Christianity.
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