A Celebration of Easter – “Risen”
- Apr, 04 2010
- By admin
- Artwork
- 2 comments
Good Friday and Easter Day!
As a child, I was perplexed by the name “Good Friday.” Wasn’t it the day that acknowledges Jesus’ death? Jesus, who was sinless and pure, who deserved no death, but who chose it? Now I grasp how good this day really is. It’s a day that represents the death of our separation from God. Our sin separated us from our loving Creator, and Jesus’ death bridged that gap. We couldn’t do it on our own.
The miracle and power of this weekend, however, lies in Jesus’ resurrection, which we celebrate on Sunday! Had Christ remained on the cross, we would still be lost. But he didn’t. Jesus was buried, but rose to life on Sunday, and showed himself to over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. Amazing!
I completed a painting last year which embodies the spirit of Easter, entitled “Risen.” An empty cocoon hangs off of one side of the cross, and on the other side, a butterfly ascends toward heaven. It is red and white, symbolizing both the purity of Christ and the blood which has saved us. This Easter weekend, don’t let the miracle of Christ’s resurrection pass you by. “It is Finished” changed everything.
This painting is available as a print here.
It’s Good Friday… Do you know why?
- Apr, 10 2009
- By admin
- Artwork
- One comment
It’s Good Friday!
As a child, I was perplexed by the name of this important day. Wasn’t it the day that acknowledges Jesus’ death? Jesus, who was sinless and pure, who deserved no death, but who chose it? Now I grasp how good this day really is. It’s a day that represents the death of our separation from God. Our sin separated us from our loving Creator, and Jesus’ death bridged that gap. We couldn’t do it on our own.
The miracle and power of this weekend, however, lies in Jesus’ resurrection. Had Christ remained on the cross, we would still be lost. But he didn’t. Jesus was buried, but rose to life on Sunday, and showed himself to over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. Amazing!
I recently completed a painting which embodies the spirit of Easter, entitled “Risen.” An empty cocoon hangs off of one side of the cross, and on the other side, a butterfly ascends toward heaven. It is red and white, symbolizing both the purity of Christ and the blood which has saved us. This Easter weekend, don’t let the miracle of Christ’s resurrection pass you by. “It is Finished” changed everything.
This painting is available as a print here.
My Latest Painting
- Jan, 09 2009
- By admin
- Artwork
- 4 comments
Occasionally, I get an idea for a painting that I know is not from me – it is inspired by God and it usually takes hold of me until I complete it. “Redeemed” and “Unblemished” are two such paintings. My latest piece is another one.
This painting symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection. The empty cocoon represents the empty tomb, and the butterfly represents Jesus’ risen body, and our resulting freedom from sin. The red and white in the butterfly symbolizes Jesus’ blood and the complete purity that we have now that we have been forgiven. The falling piece of paper claims “It is finished.” These were some of Jesus’ last words on the cross, and they are so powerful. They express triumph rather than defeat. Because of the truth of these words, we have life.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very heart of Christianity. In 1 Corinthians 15 Paul reasoned, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” In the same chapter he says “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins… If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” But then Paul triumphantly declares, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead!”
On Easter morning some women and apostles went to Jesus’ tomb, expecting to find his body. But the tomb was empty, and the angel at the tomb told them, “He is not here; he has risen!” Later they saw Jesus face to face. I have not seen Jesus’ face, but I know that I will someday. His resurrection means that we all can.
Please contact me if you have any questions about this painting or about Christ’s death or resurrection.