theinkwellgallery

Matthew 16:24-25 ESV

"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Abandoning the safety of the familiar and stepping into the unknown with unwavering faith lays the groundwork for discipleship. Forsaking comfort and convenience for a path riddled with challl

enges, rejection, and sacrifice is a journey that will strengthen you like no other. In the midst of it all is a joy that surpasses understanding. There is a peace that defies the chaos around you. There’s a wild, unshakable commitment to walk where He leads, even when the road is steep and the destination unclear. There’s no room for hesitation; no turning back, because His love compels you to press forward, eyes fixed on His.

Taking up your cross and following Him means forsaking the weight of past regrets and the pull of worldly desires. It is an act of trust so deep that you release every burden, every doubt, into His hands. You don't have the answers, and you choose to find peace in that. You cling to the promise that He is enough even when your flesh grows weak and tired. You set your face as a flint on Him and know that His grace will sustain you, and that His presence will never leave your side. With reckless abandon, you choose to walk the narrow road, not because it is easy, but because you know the One who walks with you. Because deep down, you know that you have no other choice than to sacrifice everything for the One who sacrificed His life for you. The love within compels you to go further, run faster, seek Him with everything you have... The cost is great, but the reward, an eternity in His embrace, is infinitely greater.

"Take up your Cross"

24x30" oil on canvas. 2024.

In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This statement is a profound invitation and promise, offering not only direction but a sense of spiritual security and hope.

When Jesus calls Himself the "light of the world," He is positioning Himself as the ultimate source of Truth, guidance, and life. Light, in a physical sense, allows us to see and navigate through our environment, but in a spiritual sense, Christ's light allows us to see beyond mere existence. His light reveals the path toward righteousness and exposes the shadows of sin, fear, and doubt. Just as light is essential for life, Jesus is essential for spiritual life. His presence illuminates the way forward, dispelling confusion, darkness, and separation from God.

Following Him is an ongoing choice. It means walking in His truth, abiding by the Word, and trusting Him in the moments when darkness seems overwhelming. Yet, His promise is that those who follow Him will "never walk in darkness." This doesn’t mean that we won’t face hardship or uncertainty, but that His light will always be with us, surrounding us with the warmth of His love. His light is not a distant flicker, but a constant, powerful, reassuring presence.

The light of life is more than mere existence. It’s the fullness of life in relationship with God. His light brings a deeper understanding of who we are in Christ and what we were created for. It transforms how we live, and promises eternal life in His presence. Through His light, we are invited to step out of the shadows and into a life illuminated by His love, truth, and grace, calling Heaven down to Earth with every step.

"The Light of Life"

16x20" oil on canvas. 2024.