Readings from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges
Our artistic journey through the Old Testament continues! Here you'll find our selected artworks and commentary to accompany this month's Come, Follow Me readings. Remember, you can also subscribe to get email reminders when new artworks are ready or follow along weekly on Instagram or Facebook. We hope that art-lovers everywhere will be inspired by these artworks as they complement their gospel study, family discussions, and church classes with fine art from around the world.
April 27 - May 3
Once the Israelites entered the wilderness, they built a tabernacle to offer sacrifices to the Lord. These sacred offerings prepared the Israelites to be “holy: for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The Lord’s commandments directed their minds, hearts, and lives to the Messiah, the ultimate exemplar of true holiness.
In Chase Shepherd’s 'Christ in the Garden', Christ finds a consecrated space, similar to the Israelite Tabernacle, to pray and find solace. Surrounded by sleeping apostles, Christ willingly offers Himself for the salvation of the world. This divine sacrifice provides a path toward exaltation, so each of us can become holy like Him.
May 4-10
Cover up one side of this painting and take note of what you see. If you looked at the left side, you might have noticed thick, sturdy trees, a vibrant reflected sunset, brightly colored leaves, and thriving moss. On the right, the colors are muted, the trees are thinner, their leaves almost gone, and some have come crashing to the earth. This is a scene of both life and death, depending on where you choose to look.
In Numbers 13 and 14, twelve scouts visit the promised land and report on their findings. Ten of the scouts fear the people and cities that they found, causing the people to despair. The other two speak of “an exceeding good land... a land which floweth with milk and honey,” and remind their fellows that “the LORD is with us: fear them not.” Because so many could not see the blessings waiting for them, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years instead.
How can we be more mindful of the blessings in our lives?
May 11-17
Towards the end of Moses’ life and ministry in the wilderness, he was shown a glimpse of what was promised to the Israelites. In his final instructions to the people, Moses urged them to “love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).
In F'all and Redemption of Man', humankind, in the form of an Everyman figure, sits between Moses (representing the law) and John the Baptist (representing grace). The laws and rituals of our faith point toward Christ’s grace, drawing us closer and ensuring redemption.
What reminds you of your covenants and the blessings of your faith?
May 18-24
To reach the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites had to cross the River Jordan and pass the wicked city of Jericho. Joshua led his army around the city walls, once a day for a week. On the seventh day, the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant, blew seven rams’ horn trumpets, and circled the city walls seven times until they miraculously collapsed.
In Lorenzo Ghiberti’s 'Joshua and Jericho' panel from 'the Gates of Paradise', the crumbling walls and trumpeting army parade around the top of the panel– the crowning moment ending the Israelites’ time in the wilderness. To give thanks to the Lord, the Israelites built an altar to offer sacrifices; Ghiberti sculpted the Israelites hunched and heavy under the weight of the stones, emphasizing the labor required to choose the Lord. When we trust the Lord and choose to be on His side, we can receive the same promised blessings fulfilled to Joshua: courage, strength, and eventually exaltation.
May 25-31
Throughout the scriptures, the Israelites repeated a cycle of falling away and returning to the Lord. Each cycle, the Lord promised them a judge and a deliverer that would lead them back to righteousness. As fulfillment of that promise, Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, deliverer, and Redeemer that welcomes all of God’s children as they return to Him. In Albrecht Dürer’s engraving 'Sol Justitiae' ('The Judge'), Dürer blends the symbols of Christ with the symbols of justice. Christ holds the sword to bring swift judgement, and the scales of balance to hold all accountable for their thoughts and deeds. However, instead of the traditional blindfold, the Judge is illuminated by a three-pronged halo, representing His all-knowing watchfulness and connection to the Father and the Holy Ghost. He sits upon a lion, representing Christ's divinity and royalty in the Kingdom of Heaven.
