Isaiah 52:13 - 66:18
These three paintings by Vincent Van Gogh illustrate the simple humility of someone before God. The names of them are simple, too. Old Man, Head in Hands (Eternity's Gate), Old Man Reading the Bible, and Old Man Kneeling in Prayer
You might even be suprised that someone so tormented by sorrow at one time had great faith and ministered to the poor and needy. "Christ," said van Gogh, "is more of an artist than the artists; he works in the living spirit and the living flesh; he makes men instead of statues."
These simple paintings also illustrate those that are honored by God; those that kneel in prayer, are contrite, and read the word of God.
Isaiah 66:2
"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the Lord. This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
Humility, Contrite, and Trembling in the word.
Not necessarily the picture we have in our minds of soldier in God's army. Too many of us are more like the boldness of Peter, similar to the pride of James and John, and even the arrogance of Saul(Paul). But Jesus performed a mighty work of art in these men and changed their lives. Peter found the humility in feeding Chris'ts sheep. John's contriteness is exemplified in the grace and love in his gospel and epistles. And Paul's trembling came by the loss of his sight.
It's amazing to realize that God is still in the art business, transforming the canvas in each man's heart to the one he esteems. Jesus has shown the example by humbling himself to death on a cross. And the Holy Spirit guides a person to the point where they realize their position before God (humility); are repentant in their heart for their sins (contrite); and learn to grow into maturity through being stirred by the power of His word (trembling).
It should be our prayer that the world sees more humble, contrite, and trembling believers.
It should be our prayer that the world sees more people like the old man of Vincent van Gogh.
Someone humbly kneeling in prayer before God. Someone with their head in their hands because they are repentant and sorrowful for their offenses against God. Someone trembling with the Bible in their hands because the word of God shakes and stirs their soul.
Because those are the ones God esteems.
