I
Want you (To Pray) America...Have you Forgotten How Much YOU
NEED ME?
Jesus is simply asking those in the U.S. to pray. Take
a closer look... Jesus is not wrapping himself with our flag.
He is carrying it. Look at the eagle and the condition of the
flag... this painting may mean something you wouldn't expect
at first glance.
"America…Have
You Forgotten?" (Copyright 1999) has taken on new meaning
since the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. When the painting
was created in 1999, the symbolism (which is explained in more
detail later on this page) drew attention to the moral decay
and self reliance that divided our country.
But
today this painting also represents all that can unite this country
...PRAYER. Our Lord Jesus was calling us to prayer before Sept.
11, and continues to call us to prayer now. Our country depends
on it! We cannot continue in our immoral self destruction. Jesus
is calling us to Him so He can carry our nation as a yoke on
His back. But as you can see here...the burden for Him is light.
He simply asks us to PRAY!
We
also need to reflect on our own hearts through prayer and repentance.
May it draw us back to God so that we may again bring glory to
His Holy Name in this our Land of the Free. Then we will again
confidently proclaim GOD(God the Father of Abraham, God the Son
Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit) BLESS AMERICA!
The
small print at the top of the image reads, "You the people of the United States,
in order to form a more perfect union need to PRAY". This ,of course, is a twist to
the constitution that our Christian forefathers so carefully
drafted. The full title is included at the bottom of the print
which reads, "I Want You America...Have You Forgotten How
Much YOU NEED ME?"
Both
16" x 20" and 8" x 10" open edition Giclee'
prints are available. Giclee' prints are printed on archival
paper that is rated very high against fadability. Each print
comes unframed and includes a written description of the painting's
symbolism. |
|
As
you can see by this close up, Jesus is tenderly asking for your
prayers!
More
on the symbolism... |
 |
  Please
take note of some of the details in this painting. The eagle’s
wing is broken, the flag is tattered on the end, the material
is soiled as well as being ripped in the center.
It is
important to note during this patriotic time in our country,
that these symbols are not in any way depicting any disrespect
to our heroic soldiers. We must keep in mind that our flag does
not only represent those who contribute greatly to our country.
Our country is a collaboration of all of us...and all of us are
sinners.
Our country
is witnessing great backsliding spiritually. The symbols were
depicted to realistically show how immorality is effecting our
great nation. Unfortunately, if we face the reality of our backsliding,
our flag would not be represented by the traditional “Old
Glory”. We must quit kidding ourselves and recognize the
condition of our nation. Thus we will see how badly we need to
humble ourselves and turn away from our self-destructive and
self-reliant ways. In fact, if we aren’t careful and truly
pray and repent, we will eventually fall just like the Roman
Empire. That might sound like a harsh exaggeration. But we are
not invinsible. The sin within our nation will effect
us. It does have consequences. And I believe Jesus inspired this
painting to remind us just how vulnerable we've become...to humble
ourselves, turn to Him in prayer and turn away from our evil
ways. In turn, He will pick up our wounded nation and carry it
as a yoke on His shoulders that for Him is very light. It is
the only way. He is the only way. But we must pray!
"But
Jesus looks at everyone in the world individually...not as a
country. So don't use the U.S. or any country's flag." you
might say. There is merit to that suggestion. But don't forget
that God does not change. He dealt with people in the Bible not
just individually, but as a nation. He often did not just discipline
one person...but the entire country. Yes, we are in a period
of God's Grace...but that does not erase aspects of His personality
that will never change. If He dealt with people as a nation then...He
will continue to do so now. Every nation, not just the United
States should heed the message of repentance in this painting.
I live in and love the United States...so my painting is calling
out to my nation.
Let us
also not forget while praying what the meaning of repentance
is. Individually as well as a nation, we have much to repent
of. And true repentance means to change our wicked ways and turn
away from our sins. It is not just a quick half sincere apology
or confession. If we don’t turn away from sin our multiplied
prayers will not be heard. “Even though you make many
prayers, I will not hear.” Isaiah 1:15. We need to cry
out to our Lord and ask forgiveness. "If My people who
are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek
My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then
I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal
their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
 We need to do what it
takes to heal our land...Pray to Jesus and Repent!
Jesus
is also pointing to the viewer as a reminder that it is each
of our responsibility to pray. We shouldn’t assume that
others are praying enough for us. We each need Him, and it is
time we start showing Him that we acknowledge this fact by taking
the time.
Our nation
as well as each of us individually is depending on it! |
