I love crosses. I am familiar with both the cross and the crucifix. The first one reminds me of my resurrected King, and the other one tells of my complete salvation thru the sufferings and death of Jesus. I love crosses so much that I look for them occurring in nature such as in branches of trees growing at angles forming a cross, in the veins of leaves, and in telephone poles along country roads.
While looking at this painting entitled Because of the Cross, I saw that it was telling a story I needed to hear. I had been feeling angry for a while…barking at my husband, snarling at any little thing, and grumbling my way through the day. Knowing that anger is a secondary emotion, I soon discovered that feeling helpless was the root of my anger. I was feeling helpless to change things that desperately needed to change and was getting impatient with Father God to do something to make things better in my world.
Look at the painting. Do you see the waves at the bottom? Waves are a biblical symbol of undercurrent. Evangelist Mario Murillo recently said the earth is rumbling with a great move of God! Now look in the upper right-hand corner. Do you see the stars? Stars declare the glory of the Lord. The blue signifies heavenly authority, and the green speaks of life and prosperity. The white tells of holiness, righteousness, and purity, and the black speaks of death. But in the midst of the painting is the cross. The cross appears to be above it all. The darkness or death is receding, and the blues, greens, and whites are coming to the surface. Even the shadows tell us of the covering or veil while God works in secret.
I believe this painting is prophetic and encouraging. Death and darkness are being overshadowed with heavenly authority bringing life and prosperity once again. The glory of God will fill the earth and righteousness will prevail. Why? Because of the cross. Nothing can compare to, surpass, or outshine the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Looking at this painting and my life through the cross brought peace and rest. My feeling of helplessness evaporated as I began to believe once again in the finished work of Christ and all it accomplished.
Scripture Meditation: “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20 NKJV).
Prayer: May resurrection power fill us, refresh us, and empower us always.
~ Beth Bankert, Writer
~ Lisa Wickham, Artist, Because of the Cross
