As an artist and pastor, I want my paintings to have a certain impressionistic beauty, while also carrying the prophetic voice of the spirit of God to encourage people.
This painting is of the beautiful Brighton boat houses in Melbourne. Brighton is a place where many individuals are well off materially. Many men and women of standing in the nation are based there.
This picture again reminds me of Esther in the bible; a person of privilege with humble beginnings. The prominent red and orange colours speak of activity and liveliness to help others, like blood that supplies life and oxygen to refresh other parts. Esther’s direction became a following a movement; hence the two bicyclists, one following.
The West Gate bridge is like an eye sore and appears quite prominently in the background. Actually, this is not the case in the real view; the bridge is almost unseeable. The point is that sometimes easy to ignore life’s eye sores, the sick, the needy, the orphans, the imprisoned, the hungry, those in poverty need our lives. Esther risked all for her people; trust God and step out.
The boat houses are also places of contemplation. Take a moment to contemplate on the abilities you have and how your destiny is being realised by applying these talents for God. As in the book of Esther, we see “a person’s gift makes a way for him.” Attitude is altitude; the sky stands out in this picture.
I hear God saying when much is given much is required. Don’t focus on the personal accolade and the pursuit of more, for more sake, but on what God has given us and how we use it for his glory.
Despite the pressures, Esther knew that she was raised up for such a time as this!