
"You, O God,
will increase the nation,
You will multiply their joy;
they will rejoice before You
like the joy and jubilation
of the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil
[of victory]. Isaiah 9:3 AMP
"Sweetened by Heat", acrylic on paper, was created in response to biblical truths that I've been slow to learn, because they make me squirm in protest.
I know I'm not alone when I say that I hate tests, trials, tribulations, or anything that will upset my "peace!"
Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, the life of a Christian is about first understanding, and then, experiencing a different kind of peace, when what we usually consider "peace" is disrupted! The latter is superficial, the former is tangible, inexplicable, and clearly divine!
As I write this, I'm waiting patiently, like most of you, for political change. Prayers we've prayed for our nation are being answered, and we are encouraged.
Isaiah's words resonate. There is joy in harvest and in dividing spoil after battle!
Both describe experiences that follow a season of waiting in challenging circumstances.
And, just so it's clear, our enemies are spiritual, not flesh and blood.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
Isaiah 9 describes a joy experienced after seasons of unrelenting heat, winds and pelting rain almost smothered shoots struggling for life. Survival until the time of harvest is no casual accomplishment, but a reason to celebrate!
I've heard of tomato farmers withholding water as fruits mature to sweeten them. That time of deprivation is apparently necessary. In searing heat, the absence of water can feel brutal, yet its outcome is sweetness!

The joy of gathering spoil is the other concept described in Isaiah 9. Without the rigors of battle there is no spoil to gather. War is unpleasant and unpredictable as survival is threatened. And yet, to the victor belongs the spoils.
Would I deliberately choose to engage in war? Far from it! We are not given a choice. Life in this fallen world is a struggle against darkness. When thrust into it, having withstood its ravages because of the Lord's help, would I then leave that battle ground without spoil? Nope! Not when He has promised it.
Seasons of fire and heat are what I'd prefer to avoid, but if I desire to experience genuine joy, then I must willingly submit to both.
Even for Jesus there was no victory without death. Before the resurrection, there was the brooding silence of the burial. Of course, most of us know this, it's just living it out that is tough.
Creating art as symbolic reminders of biblical truths is powerful. They are visual milestones on life's journey with Jesus, meaningful, and to be cherished.
Texas heat is terrific for growing peppers of all kinds. I did enjoy a bountiful harvest this year. But mine were deep green, not yellow. I exploited the symbolic nature of color to express ideas I was musing about in this painting.

Exploring ways to express biblical wisdom without necessarily being literal thrills me!
Our world is replete with imagery to remind us of the goodness of God. We overcome by trusting Him through the heat of trials. Creatively describing the process, during the battle and even after victory, is the icing on the cake!
And don't worry if your viewer has no clue what you're trying to communicate. You came through the fire and you're celebrating in paint! So why bother worrying about what someone else thinks?
A wonderful secret is that when you create art this way—as a celebration of gratitude, contemplating the richness of God's word and nature—His Spirit will use your work to communicate His purposes to your viewer. I've no idea how He does that, but He has done that for me more times that I can count!
Try it yourself, and share this secret with others.
Comments