Transformed
Date: February 23rd, 2025
Cost: $500
Canvas: 24” x 30”
So, I walk into Hope Covenant without knowing the topic of the sermon. But, right away, I get an image when I hear everyone singing ‘Run to the Father’ by Cody Carnes…
I run to the Father
I fall into grace
I'm done with the hiding
No reason to wait
…I see myself as a child running to Jesus who lifts me up in the sky to the Father above, bathed in the light and warmth of the Sun (Holy Spirit). So, I begin to paint that image.
Later, Doug starts speaking about our true identity being one with Jesus’ own identity. Doug uses the analogy of a caterpillar having the DNA of a butterfly; no matter how we look on the outside, on the inside we have Christ’s DNA because we’ve accepted him as our savior.
Now, as I look at the painting, I realize how the painting and sermon go together: the green vegetation below represents the caterpillar, the child figure is the butterfly stretching out its wings of light. Our past mistakes, and present struggles, are based in our old (sin) identity, and do not represent who we truly are now. So, there's no reason to hide, no reason to wait.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.–-Colossians 1:27