Scripture
Isaiah 62:1-3, 12 (ESV)
”For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.“
AI Prompt
A painting of a small, country Christian church, set in a landscape bathed in the blues of twilight. The church is modest and quaint, typical of a rural setting. The surrounding landscape is serene and tranquil, with the blue hues of twilight casting a peaceful ambiance. This contrasts with the soft, warm glow emanating from the church's windows, creating a welcoming and cozy feel. The style of the painting should be reminiscent of traditional landscape art, capturing the beauty and simplicity of the country church and its surroundings at dusk.
Process/Reflection
Here, the Lord speaks to his Church and reminds her of her new name. She is the Redeemed of the Lord. Sought Out. A City Not Forsaken. Because she has been given this new name and this new identity she functions as a crown of beauty in the Lord's hand. Yet all of this is an invisible reality for now. We see this reality by faith. Through human eyes the Church looks like anything but a crown--its people look like anything but what you might call Sought Out. Seen through human eyes, the Church looks...ordinary...cliche...trite. Like a stereotypical white country church set in the middle of a non-descript pastoral landscape. Yet, one day this illusion will melt away. One day the invisible reality--seen only by eyes of faith--will be plainly seen by all.