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Friday, August 18

Friday Foto



Ascension & Parousia

When I looked at this picture, I couldn’t decide whether it was of Christ’s ascension or his return. I then remembered the angel asking the disciples:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1.11).

I had put it in b&w but the orange glow doesn’t come off like in color.

Comments on "Friday Foto"

 

Blogger vandorsten said ... (Fri Aug 18, 10:34:00 AM) : 

Matt, if you're interested, i'd guess it is His return. here is some former art major nerdism for you;

*pushes black-rimmed glasses, taped in the middle, up nose. giggles. adjusts pocket protector.*

Cherabim (usually depicted in classic art as chubby lil angels, as you see there surrounding Christ) were set at the entrance of the garden to prohibit man's access to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24). Pictured like that, surrounding the glory/presence of God (symbolized by the cloud behind Jesus and the rays of light), usually meant entry to Paradise or Heaven - denied to man until Christ's return.

To guard the tree, the cherabim were given a flaming sword (in classic art, usually symbolizes judgement, the Holy Spirit, and/or the Word of God), which Christ here is holding. Much traditional art depicting Christ's return depicts Him holding a sword (perhaps in reference to Rev. 2:12,16 or Rev. 19) as He comes to judge the earth - His return.

 

Blogger vandorsten said ... (Fri Aug 18, 10:36:00 AM) : 

PS - Nice shot. I'm glad you left it in color.

 

Blogger Matthew Wireman said ... (Fri Aug 18, 03:50:00 PM) : 

Wow! Thanks, brother. I thought that thing in his hand was a branch. It makes much better sense that it is a flaming sword. Thanks for the lesson.

 

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