Alpha and Omega

I have been working on a body of work now for a couple of years about the Savior. During that time, I have developed several thumbnail sketches and even some other paintings of the Savior's life, but none of them have felt right, so they sit in the corner of my studio gathering dust.

However, the other night, after having been studying about His compassion and healing influence, I began to think of trying again. We had a couple of our grandsons spending the night, and the thought came to use their dad's image as my model. In less than an hour, this painting was complete ... it seemed to just flow from my brush!

I had been reading a passage from the Book of Revelations wherein John explains that, "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

I was so touched by this description ... the act of wiping away tears implies a very intimate relationship ... only a parent, a spouse or a child would do that. Then He calls himself, "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end". I was overcome with gratitude as I pondered on His great life and promise of hope.

I began to wonder ... what is He the "end" of ... the "beginning" of? As I see it, He is the end of death, sorrow, despair, guilt, loneliness and other challenges of mortality. He is the beginning of life, hope, forgiveness, peace and joy. I hope this painting helps to bring these "beginnings" into your life. Acrylic on canvas (18" x 24")