...And Clothe Her in His Righteousness

Title: He Will Dry the Tears of She Who Weeps and Clothe Her in His Righteousness
Medium: Ballpoint Pen
Text: Isaiah 61
Time: 16+ hours
Actual Size: 11.5 x 9 inches

So, apparently my resolutions against ballpoint pen were less adamant than I thought. I have decided there is a certain sense of freedom one gets when setting out for failure. I feel like when I pick up a ballpoint pen I have already ruled out the possibility of a masterpiece, so I am free to create a disaster. The funny thing is that usually the opposite happens.
This portion of scripture is so incredibly, resonatingly beautiful. It is a portrait of what Christ will do for his people. From before the foundations of time he called us to become "Oaks of Righteousness," clothing us in his perfection. And it's amazing because Titus writes,
"he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit." [Titus 3:5] and in verse seven he writes, "so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
I love that phrase, "being justified by His grace" ...he justifies us by His own goodness and then clothes us in the righteousness we could never have. And in that, the assurance that He gives completely and we can rest that he will keep us justified and righteous by his own promises, and not ours.

Imagery References:

Blindfold: Matt 13:16-17, John 20:29, also John 9:39

Tree: Psalm 1:1-3, Isaiah 61:3

Water: Titus 3:5, John 7:37-39

Foliage: Isaiah: 61:11

Clothing: Isaiah: 61:3&10, 2 Corinthians 5:21

-Nathan