ARK OF GOLD - ARK OF FLESH

Acrylic on archival quality masonite

In the Book of Samuel6:12-King David is ffilled with immense joy as he brings the 

ark of the covenant into Jerusalem and he dances in happiness and with great celebration. The priest blows the shofar to announce this holy event while the maidens play their instruments for David their king. Even the ffish are dancing 

and leaping for joy.

The client for whom I painted this picture wanted a donkey in the scene, representing her husband as a beast of burden on behalf of his family. 

Fathers meant to fulffill their role as priest prophet and king over those they watch over. There is a strong sense and connection in the scene for me, to Christ himself and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. King, donkey, palms, procession, joy, a carpet laid down instead of cloaks.

While doing this painting what really struck me is just how long God waits for His people! Amidst the achingly slow passage of time (at least for us mortals ) from the Old Testament to the New up to today. I struggled with which direction to take in the work until I was moved to place the Ark of the New Covenant in it. It seemed only right and good to have Mary here as one chosen by God from the house and line of David. Mary, the Ark of Flesh. Our Father, ffirst gave His people a road to travel on their journey back to him in holiness and safety if we but listen to and live out the ten commandments. First He gave us His word in those commandments and then 

in the fullness of time He gave us His very WORD - His only Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, born of the flesh of the Virgin Mary. What a mystery of unfathomable love! 

God guides us not to Jerusalem, where all is temporal, but to the heavenly Jerusalem where all is eternal, to live with Him in joyful bliss forever. Creating us was an act 

of an omnipotent Mind and Heart, while our lives, offered back to Him in love is 

our paltry offering.

‘WORTHY ART THOU OUR LORD AND GOD TO RECEIVE GLORY AND HONOUR AND POWER, FOR THOU DIST CREATE ALL THINGS AND BY THY WILL THEY EXISTED AND WERE CREATED.’   *Revelation 4:11

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