What is poiema & glory?
What is Poiema?
I’m so glad you asked! Poiema is a Greek word meaning, “what is made”, “workmanship”, “creation”. The word is also the Greek origin for our English word “poem”. The word poiema is used two times in the Bible. In both cases the word is describing what God exclusively has made. These scriptures describe how both the world with all its wonders and the people in it with their variety of stories, actions, and experiences are God’s poiema. They are His creation, workmanship, and beautiful “poem”.
Romans 1:20
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Why Poiema & Glory?
As creations of God, we were made to know and glorify Him. Under this view, people and the world don’t exit “just because”. We have a greater purpose to bring attention to and make known the One who made us.
Picture this – you have just arrived at Sequoia National Park. One of the main ways you know you’re there, aside from GPS of course, is because you see the park sign. You’re so thrilled by the sight of it! Also imagine that you just remained at the sign. You snapped a few photos posing at the sign. You walked around the sign a few times. Maybe you even sat on the grounds near the sign and unpacked a delicious picnic lunch to eat. But then, after your fairly nice time at the sign, you got back in your vehicle and headed home. The idea that this would be the entirety of your trip is absurd! Most people do not journey all the way to a gorgeous location like Sequoia National Park just to hang out at the sign! The sign simply points people in the direction of the real awesomeness to be found in the park.
In like manner, all the the world and the people in it are God’s poiema. They are His creation meant to hint at and point to the real awesomeness found in Him. We shortchange ourselves when our awe, wonder, adoration, and praise end with people and things.
Make no mistake about it though, as humans we have the ability to do some pretty amazing things. My mind ponders a ballerina performing a grand jete, a beautiful work of art, the soothing sounds of beautiful melodies and harmonies, fascinating new ideas, inventions and medical breakthroughs. The natural world is also filled to the brim with awe-inspiring wonders like vibrant and lively coral reefs, the immense Grand Canyon, and the mesmerizing aurora borealis. However, may we not miss the point! May our awe and wonder not stop at creation and people. May we absorb the beauty of the world and the people in it and allow the joy found them to propel us toward greater honor and praise of the One who made them.
That is the heart behind this blog. As I enjoy and share my travels with you, I hope it can foster a community of people that heartily enjoy each other and the beauty of the world but also joyfully celebrate and savor in our hearts the One who created them.
