"Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53) At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to write about this painting. The scripture in many ways says it all; but perhaps it would be enlightening to some to know the background and some of the deeper symbolism with , "Awaiting the Command." I was first approached by Jason Bullard, founder of Lynn Weldon Publishing, with the concept of this painting. I agreed that it would make a powerful painting in that it fully encompasses the strength and dignity of the Savior of the world. The painting depicts Jesus standing before Pilate as he is about to be taken away by the guards to carry his cross to Calvary. His body shows the whip marks of the flogging. He stands tall and dignified despite the tattered red robe and crown of thorns he is forced to wear by the Roman guards. At this moment the Roman guards wait for the command of Pilate to take Jesus away. Pilate has just washed his hands. You can see the wash basin between the pillars on the right. directly behind the guards are two enormous angels, standing with great anticipation and eagerness at any moment to intercede and destroy the wicked enemy. One angel rests his hands on the hilt of a huge sword. The sword resembles a cross which alludes to the fore looming crucifixion. The other angel holds her hands up to constrain the dark figure behind the pillar. The evil one is not allowed to cross the limits of his existence. The arched doorway frames the Messiah in a godly manner to emphasize His power and divinity. Jesus stands on a detailed mosaic floor typical of the time. The floor motif has the waves of water which I felt would be symbolic of the miracle when He walked on the Sea of Galilee. His feet stand directly on the lotus flower which is a symbol of the resurrection. The resurrection would be the triumphant moment when Jesus would overcome death and His mission would be complete. This painting makes me wonder. What if he had paused and not allowed Himself to be delivered up to be crucified. If He had summoned the angels to intercede--what would become of us all? Because of Jesus' great love for all of us, I believe we may be saved and return to a wonderful place prepared for us. Only through Jesus Christ could this have been possible. I felt a great love and admiration for Him as I painted this thought provoking image.
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