Scripture
Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
”The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.“
AI Prompt
A medium shot of a scene in the style of Raphael, depicting a man standing and reaching toward a woman who is lying on the ground, set in a city ravaged by war. The woman is dressed in more clothing, appearing modest and covered, lying in a vulnerable position. The man is extending his hand in a gesture of aid. The background shows the remnants of once-grand buildings, now damaged and crumbling due to war. Both figures are portrayed with balanced proportions and expressive features, capturing the contrast of human compassion amidst the devastation of war.
Process/Reflection
This prophesy is all about restoration, renewal, and resurrection. Jesus himself reads aloud from this passage in the Nazareth synagogue and announces that the day of its fulfillment has arrived. Jesus came to restore creation from the devastation that man's sin had brought upon it. Jesus came to be the first fruits of the resurrection so that those whom death had vanquished could receive life in his name. To create this image I began with the simple idea of a figure reaching out to help another who had fallen. Then I asked AI to bring in the ruined cityscape and to adapt the style to a more classical Renaissance look. The most challenging thing to get right was the gesture of the figures--to make the gestures seem connected. And, of course, the gentleman has only four fingers on his left hand. Alas.