A Great Cloud of Witnesses

24 x 24 inches
oil and wax and gold on rag paper
(framed under glass)
SOLD

This piece was painted in 2024 to support the Icon Painters of Lviv, Ukraine, suffering the ravages of war. We surround them with our prayers and we “wash their feet.” And along with the “great cloud of witnesses,” we pray.

The title is taken from Hebrews 12-13 “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us –  look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
“Jesus suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” We “fulfill the sufferings of Christ” (Phil. 3:10) and Jesus “sanctifies” us, make us holy (set apart) in our suffering.

Jesus knows their sorrows and he is acquainted with their grief. (Isaiah 53:3).