Lift Up the Cross

It's that time of year again ... once again the Cross is looming large. Last year the big thing was "by his stripes we are healed". This year it seems to be "When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself."

I know that whatever we do, whether inherited or emerging or pioneering or something else, it's all about leading people to encounter the crucified and risen Jesus. And if that happens, somehow the rest will take on its true perspective.

I'm becoming more and more convinced that the world does not need "professional" leaders, but rather leaders in whose lives the Cross & resurrection of Jesus are seen to be powerfully at work - through our weakness, brokenness and "unfinishedness". Leaders who will make it their aim to keep pointing people to Jesus, who refuse to gather a following for themselves, who are content to be signposts.

"Don't talk about it. The rose doesn't have to propagate its perfume. It just gives it forth and people are drawn to it. Don't talk about it. Live it. And people will come to see the source of your power." (Ghandi)

In the image, there are about 56,000 people in the crowd. I believe a time is coming when many, many more will be gathered in.

More creative stuff to come I think.

Comments

[Kate W]

Wow - that's even more amazing than how you described it! K

[bek]

wow. don't talk about it. the ghandi quote and your picture are powerful. i'm in agreement here.

[pistol pete]

Absolutely beautiful and I think you're right on the money. My only question is (as a pastor) - if there are no "professionals", will I still have a job?

[ron]

Hi Richard, incredibly powerfull, the gravity of the image seems to pull you right in.
I also posted the image over on Poasis, with a huge thankyou for participating in this years interactive/creative Lenten event, " Sorrow to Glory."

http://poasis.blogspot.com/2007/04/guy-behind-chilling-out-reflective.html

May the reality of this season, cause our spirits to tremble in awe. Peace...Ron+

[maryann]

love it.
love it.
love it.

[Lorna]

wonderful :)

[Dave]

Good gracious, this picture is amazing. I set it as my desktop background for Easter. Simply gorgeous. Did you create all those humans digitally? I keep looking for a back of a head that looks like mine. It reminds me very much of Revelation, where John sees all the great multitides standing before Christ. Thank you for creating it; it's very inspiring.

[Nathaniel Cook]

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A close friend of mine that is producing my album saw your picture on google. I am truly inspired by your composition. I wanted to know if you could call me at your earliest convenience in regards to using your piece with an upcoming music project that I am working on. Thank you for your time and support. My email address is nathaniel_cook2002@yahoo.com God bless you brother.

[Amanda]

Inspiring Photo. Love it! would it be possible for me to use part of this picture for a design for a school Magazine? I attend St Catherine's College and i think it would be appropriate to use this photo as it relates to Christianity.

I Would really appreciate it if you let me use this photo.

Please email me to confirm that this is okay.

Yours Sincerely.

Amanda

[Cedric Barber]

Richard,
'Lift up the Cross'
This is inspirational! Past, present and future all in one vision. Tremendous artwork. I have a book being printed called 'Slaves, Sinners and Saints' It begins with my slave ancestor, continues with his son, a 'ranter' (Camp Meeting preacher - 1807) and continues thru today into the future which your work displays beautifully. May I have your permission to use it on the front cover of the book please? Every blessing, Cedric Barber

[Karen Ellrick]

Beautiful, Richard! I would like to ask you about permission to use this image (and perhaps others) in a video project - can you email me? I couldn't find a contact form or email address to contact you directly.

[Ruth Rosado]

Dear Richard
Presently I find myself in Honduras as a missionary evangelist.The mayor has given us 3 days to do a massive crusade and would like to have t-shirts lifting up the Cross made for the labororers and workers that will be evangelizing city wide from many churches as one body the power of the Cross. the city is under great fear as the violence has increased to a greater level.I believe that what is going to happen in February is a mighty outpouring of Gods power.The vision for the city is as God gave it to you in Lift up the Cross,

[manuel cerezo]

Hello,
How can i get this picture best quality to make a big poster (2,0 m x 1,5 m.)to set on the front wall oaf the sanctuary of my church?

[Daniel Pavlik]

Mr. Richard,

I am a 19 year old with a huge God given heart to start a ministry. When I stumbled above this photo, I almost began to cry. This photo represents what I had envisioned, what I see the world should, and will be like one day. We all will look upon the glory and splendor of the Cross, and stand in awe of Christ's unfailing love & majesty.

With that being said, I've been looking high and low of this photo as a poster. I just up until know had no idea it was designed by you. I did research on RKL and to my disappointment I could not find any information. I did some further research and was so pleased to find the creator of this awe-inspiring vision. So if possible, could I make this beautiful piece of art a poster to hang in the ministries' office? I am not trying to flatter you in anyway by calling it 'beautiful and awe-inspiring'. I truly mean every word of what I said describing this work of art. Thank you so much. You have no idea how inspiring this is to me.

In Christ,

Dan Pavlik

[Nancy Kourmoulis]

Just came across your website from a google search for an image on God's glory. This is an amazing image. I hope you don't mind if I post it to my blog - I will link back to yours. I have been scrolling through your other works and words and have been blessed this morning!