“’...Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.’”
- Daniel 2:20-22 (NIV)
- Daniel 2:20-22 (NIV)
I’ve been doing a deep dive on the Biblical Book of Daniel lately. After decades of hearing the Sunday school stories, it’s incredible to listen to the book as an adult living in troubled times. For me, the process of listening to the book over and over has been a meditation on power, corruption, and the importance of humility at all times. It’s also a reminder that, to an extent, humanity has ALWAYS lived in troubled times, surrounded by evil, looking forward a coming time of truly perfect Kingship and peace.
It’s also been a wildly fun exercise NOT to skip the second half of Daniel, to just hear out these truly insane prophecies and visions, then to join Daniel himself in reflection - “I heard, but I did not understand.” (Daniel 12:8. Also deeply enjoyable that the angel chatting with Daniel at this moment basically responds, “Don’t worry about it.”)
In the meantime, this little abstract painting is my reflection on the classic story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace - the shadowy forms of three men, humble and courageous, and among them, a fourth, inscrutable figure - “like a son of the gods” - offering protection and an enduring promise of His presence.
4 x 6 inches (10 x 15 cm)
Sennelier watercolor, Polychromos colored pencils, and gesso on Canson illustration board
Sennelier watercolor, Polychromos colored pencils, and gesso on Canson illustration board
**FOR SALE**