Viewpoint from Rev Steve Deall 09/08/2024
 Rev Steve Deall
Rector of Bradwell Benefice
Unlocking Hope: “The Light of the World”
As we cast our eyes upon the world, it’s hard to ignore the shadows—those dark corners where uncertainty, fear, and turmoil reside. We wonder: where does hope spring from? Is it in the new government, the allure of celebrity, the pursuit of fame, or the glitter of money?
Enter William Holman Hunt, wielding his paintbrush like a storyteller. He gifted us a masterpiece: “The Light of the World”. Let’s step into this canvas together
 Picture this: the sun has long since dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a twilight canvas. Trees, skeletal and almost bare, stretch toward the fading light. The sky — pale near the horizon — deepens to near-black at its zenith. And there, nestled between the trees and the distant river, stands a house. Its door, weathered and overgrown, hints at years of neglect
But the heart of the painting — the spotlight, if you will — is Jesus Christ. He dominates the foreground, draped in a simple white robe that catches the lantern’s glow. His cloak, richly embroidered, contrasts with the crown of thorns atop His head. A halo encircles Him — a celestial spotlight
And what’s He doing? Knocking. Not with impatience, mind you, but with eternal patience. His right hand raps on that wooden door. But here’s the twist: there’s no handle on the outside. The door opens from within, by choice. It’s been ages since anyone stepped across that threshold. Weeds cling to the frame, and ivy trails upward, as if nature itself guards the entrance
 The ground at His feet cradles two fruits — apples, perhaps. One green, unripe, untasted. The other red, mature, ready for nourishment. Life’s choices laid bare: will we let the untried fruit rot, or will we feast on the ripe one?
Now, the inscription on the frame whispers its secret: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me”. Revelation 3:20 — the church in Laodicea, lukewarm and indecisive. Jesus beckons them to more — to conquer evil, to sit on thrones
This painting isn’t about a physical door; it’s about the door of the human heart. Jesus, the Light of the World, stands there, knocking. He doesn’t break in; He waits. He brings light to our darkness, life to our ignorance, and salvation to our weary souls. But the choice — the turning of the handle — is ours
So, friends, maybe it’s time. Time to unlock that door. To see what life looks like with Jesus. Or at the very least, to respond to your local church’s invitation: “Come and see”. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find hope waiting just beyond that threshold
The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Yarmouth, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users
These views are personal ones and are intended to stimulate constructive debate. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted at the bottom of the relevant article. We would ask you to abide by our forum rules and may delete any comments which do not
We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here
Click here to read our forum and comment posting guidelines
|
