safe passage through the wilderness
Many Biblical scriptures inspired this painting, as there are multiple themes represented. The lamp she holds is very bright light source for her journey through the wilderness of life. It shines light on the intended path, as well as obstacles, dangers, and other pathways that would lead her away from the intended path God designed her to take. David says in 2 Samuel 22:29, “For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.” We’re told in Psalm 119:105, that “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Any other light is dimmer than the one true light. On the table being overtaken by vines, the candle holder with its tiny candle and flame offer little-to-no light to guide her footsteps in the right direction.
The sword she holds represents the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (written in the Holy Bible, as well as God’s Word spoken from us). It is a weapon against offensive attacks from the enemy (Satan and his deceptions) and is a discerner of truth – separating what is good from what is evil. Hebrews 4:12, describes God’s Word like this, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” It is used to help us fight the spiritual battles we will encounter along the wilderness journey. We must train ourselves to use this weapon, by spending time reading and studying God’s Word.
Finally, the figure in the lower left corner of the painting represents the requirement that we must “die to self” daily. Galatians 5:24, says “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Paul states in Ephesians 4:20-24, to “…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Other scriptures represented include John 12:24, Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:20-24, Colossians 3:10, and many others.