Surprisingly, people who don’t admire God praise the skill of artists who make copies of what God makes!

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13-14)”

“For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honour than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. (Hebrews 3:3-4)”

How would you respond if Lisa del Giocondo walked past? Who the heck is Lisa del Giocondo? Actually, there is a painting of her hanging in the Louvre Museum. Its called the Mona Lisa.

Yes, many think that Lisa Gherardini del Gioncondo, the wife of a wealthy silk merchant, was the model for Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’ painted in 1503. Today, the painting of Lisa is priceless and considered by most to be the number one most valuable work of art in the world. People from all over the world travel to Paris just to look at it and admire it.

Obviously this has brought the painter, Leonardo da Vinci eternal fame. When it comes to art he is unrivalled and adored with an almost divine-like status. Every time people look at the Mona Lisa, they can’t help but pour out praise for Leonardo.

So doesn’t it come as a huge surprise that people will look at people like Lisa, the original, and not burst out in praise to the One who made her? It is so natural, so normal, to praise and admire the skills of a good artist. Why is it so unnatural, so abnormal, to praise God for the originals that good artists make copies of?

The answer is that we don’t like the Artist. No one is prejudiced against da Vinci. He’s been dead for centuries and he poses no threat to us. If da Vinci was alive today, no one would begrudge him taking ownership of the Mona Lisa or at least receiving the lion’s share of all royalties. (Wow, imagine if da Vinci had copyrights to the Mona Lisa!)

But with God its different. We begrudge Him His due. God is the Ultimate Artist, the One who’s works of art even Leonardo da Vinci copied. Unlike da Vinci, God is alive and a threat to us. Because He made us, He owns us. He has every right to put us where He wants to, keep us for as long as He decides, and do with us as He pleases. Naturally, no human being likes this. We guard our sovereign independency with ferocious jealousy.

But if we seriously consider how amazing God is, just based on the works of art He has left lying around everywhere, we would think differently! We would give Him the praise He is so worthy of. I don’t know what Leonardo was like, but just looking at the Mona Lisa, I wouldn’t mind having a cup of coffee with Leonardo. He must be an interesting fellow to get to know. How much more should we be in awe of God and have a desire to know Him!