For
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels
nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
This
sculpture is a derivation of my original sculpture Bullet-Proof
Love which incorporated actual bullet casings and
lead. As I further contemplated that sculpture and the deep
truths behind it, I realized that I could convey the same
message artistically in a simpler, more subtle and clean fashion.
So, I decided to let the Bloodwood cross carry that theme
by itself. The indentions in the cross, even without the bullet
casings and lead strewn about at its base, clearly hint at
attack. Without the casings, the imagery of attack on the
cross of Christ takes on a wider scope. It becomes easier
to imagine anything attacking the cross, or you, personally.
At the same time, the cross is made of Bloodwood; a dense,
exotic, deep crimson wood whose name reminds of the blood
Jesus shed on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of
those who trust in Him. It is dimpled on every surface to
signify all the “bullets” that are shot at His
love. They may be “bullets” from the world, the
Devil, or from a Christian momentarily walking in his flesh
and committing sin. The powerfully simple message is this:
whereas the cross (signifying the love of Christ) has sustained
countless “hits,” it is still whole and intact.
The edges are fixed and solid. The love of Christ can not
be destroyed, just as Romans 8:38-39 says! It is, indeed,
“bullet-proof love!”
The love of God can not be overthrown, ever, by anyone or
anything! This truth is fantastic! It is mighty to dispel
fear, despair, self-despising, and insecurity in the believer
in Jesus Christ. Trusting in these facts brings peace and
stability of heart. My hope is that the Christian who looks
at this piece will reconnect with these truths for their great
joy and encouragement in Christ. My hope for the not-yet-a-Christian
who looks at this piece is that he/she will contemplate this
great love, and embrace it as it is freely offered by Christ.
As you look at, and particularly as you hold and handle this
sculpture, I pray you are encouraged with the triumphant fact
that Christ’s love displayed at the cross is completely
indestructible. It’s bullet-proof. Whether for the first
or the hundredth time trust in Christ and find rest for your
soul.
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