The Commissioning of Isaiah

Acrylic and Oil Pastel Painting 28 5/8” x 29 1/2”

The Commissioning of Isaiah is an early expressionistic work exploring forgiveness, grace and one's calling through the lens of Isaiah 6. Created in acrylic and oil pastel, the piece embraces mark-making and layered text. These visual elements give form to the moment described in Isaiah 6--when fear gives way to awe, and unworthiness is met with mercy.

The Commissioning of Isaiah explores the concept of forgiveness—how in a heartbeat our wrongs, our shame, our epic fails—all are wiped away when a contrite heart comes before God. Even more mind-boggling is the freedom that comes not just for the Forgiven, but of the Forgiver, too. I have found that when I extend forgiveness (even to those who don’t acknowledge thespian they’ve caused), my willingness to forgive them is directly related to the amount of freedom and healing I experience.

When Isaiah saw the face of God, he figured he was a dead man; instead, he found forgiveness and a passionate calling for his life’s mission. The Commissioning of Isaiah captures that moment when fear and hopelessness turned to awe and the receiving of unmerited grace and forgiveness—a gift that’s available to us all.