Heb. 11:6 – “…for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Read all of Ps.127 – “…Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is a reward…”
It is a distressing thing to even begin to realize what is happening in our country, and world, in regards to child trafficking and abuse. My stomach clenches in pain even trying to comprehend what people like OUR and other groups who rescue children find and try to help. It is also evident by our abortion rates that it is a thriving business also.
I do understand that a nation will fail outside of the salvation of Jesus Christ. A nation will not stand without His blessing and mercy.
You must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder. Children are one of His rewards, they take work, but they are not a burden. Women are saved through childbearing – bearing them until they can live well in this world by the grace of God in their own lives.
When I first sketched this idea for a painting, it was in heaviness. I saw abuse, darkness, tragedy beyond “Les Miserables” or similar concepts. My understanding of what was happening in our Nation was in tears and sadness. My idea was not light.
My favored models are not nearby, so I just began to sketch on a used canvas and wanted to see where it would take me. It was not into darkness.
I was gladdened to see the truth in the Word of God. Children are a man’s arrows, they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. Children are the fruit and strength of a nation. Killing them and other things does not meet the enemies in strength and glory.
I had always only seen these verses within the context of the church – the body of Christ, His building the House. But He is at work even til today. Salvation and Redemption are available to all now. Lord, build Your Kingdom, pour out Your Spirit into America, and the world. Come Lord.
“How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” Ps. 128:1
This painting is about America loving her children… protecting and guiding them. It is the strength of a Nation for mothers to be raising children before the Lord. They are a gift from God.
Our Nation will be great only in Salvation and Redemption. God is Good, God is Light, there is no darkness in Him. The end result is in His total Victory.
“Blessed in the Nation that fears the Lord”.
BOHLENDER ART 