Editor's Note: God, as the great designer of all creation, the inventor of art, the author of our faith and of the “Greatest Story Ever Told,” has enabled His people to reflect Him and His truth as they deploy their God-given gifts. From the planning of the very first houses of His worship, the Tabernacle and the Temple, He commissioned people to create art to enhance and help complete those places of worship (Exodus 31:1-5; 2 Chronicles 2:7).
Art of various kinds can tell stories, stir feelings, suggest movement, and evoke a sense of place, even as it adds to and helps define the space it occupies. Accomplished artist George Lynch, who often uses modern art to explore and express God’s truths, explains here the thoughts and progression behind his three-paneled painting, “You Are Here.” The painting takes up much of the wall behind the Guest Connections desk of Central Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, where George is a member and Bible teacher. For anyone at the church, a look around The Connection building will reveal multiple other paintings George has created, all with similar focus on the things of God.
In 2009, Central Bible Church adopted three words to communicate how we find the flow of God’s direction for our lives: Belong. Become. Beyond. Pastor David Daniels wanted to visually reinforce these concepts and invited me to create a painting. The triptych (three panels) measures 4 feet high by 18 feet wide in total.
Titled “You are here,” the painting depicts the spiritual journey of one’s lifetime using an abstraction of a map (think of a locator map at a national park – complete with its familiar “you are here” arrow). By reminding us of the moments of our lives, the painting hopes to bring to mind God’s presence at each step. Additionally, “You are here” communicates the varied journeys of the CBC Body by its changing arrow position each week. (Insider’s secret: the arrow has magnets that connect to sheet metal behind the canvas.)
The following narrative outlines the thinking behind each panel.
Belong
The left canvas recounts the season of being lost in sin, wandering in the wilderness. Darkness.
But God has not left us. He’s there blessing us. Drawing us to Him.
As we drink in the cool water He’s been gracious to provide, we come to desire the peace that only He offers. We recognize our sin. And our need for a Savior. Isaiah 44:3 – For I will pour water on a thirsty land and streams on the dry ground. I will pour out my Spirit.
We acknowledge the power of the blood Christ spilled for us. We put our trust in Him and walk through the Gate into salvation through Jesus Christ and into fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Psalm 18:16 – He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
Inside the boundary lines drawn by His Word, we find the joy of belonging to Christ. This pleasant place features His lush provision of peace, joy and hope. John 10:9 – I am the gate.
Then He causes our hearts to desire intimacy with others also on the journey. Psalm 16:6 – The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.
And we step into fellowship of biblical community. We become connected. 1 Corinthians 12:27 – Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
We’ve come to the place to belong. Acts 2:42 – They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Become
The center canvas further illustrates God’s constant hand, leading us by cool waters, taking us into His flow.
This season is filled with thanksgiving. Our hearts overflow. Psalm 18:19 – He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.
He draws us closer – and we desire more of Him. But this isn’t a season that’s just sweetness and light. In fact, He’s using trials and tribulations to grow us. To strengthen our dependence on Him and build our testimony of His faithfulness. John 10:10 – I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
He is making us stronger, more prepared vessels. Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
We’ve arrived at the place to become. To become more than we were. To become more like Him. 2 Timothy 2:20 – If a man cleanses himself, he will be a vessel for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Beyond
The right canvas reveals how God doesn’t finish with developing us just for our own good. We come to see how His hand has led us through this grand spiritual journey for a purpose far greater. It’s not just what we are saved from, but what we are saved for.
Indeed, His great delight is to see every tongue, every people worshipping Him. He invites us to be on mission for Him.
The Lord now brings us to the place to go beyond. Isaiah 40:5 – And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.
Matthew 9:37-38 – Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
A prayer of thanksgiving:
Dear God, as I think back over my spiritual journey, I remember the dark times and the good times, the times You challenged me, rebuked me, and encouraged me. As I map out those places in my journey, I mentally mark them with a “You are here” arrow and remember each place. I praise You as I recall Your presence and Your faithfulness. You brought me to a place to belong to You, to become more like You and go beyond my comfort to serve You. I thank You for shepherding me – and even not designing it to be an easy journey. You grow me through each place and even re-circulate me through some places time and again. Thank you, Lord, for Your deep love for me. I know that whatever place I find myself in, I can say: “You are here.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.