Easter Monday - Epilogue
Day 48  -  April 05

Kasongo Butler

REIGN

The Parable of the Trees ~ Judges 9:7-15 

At the beginning of 2021, a friend and former colleague invited me to a community art gallery.  In addition to my friend’s day job as a higher education administrator, Dr. Jillian Ramsammy is a talented artist.  I was privileged to see her exhibition showcased at the Brick City Center for the Arts.

Jillian has created several works that immediately draw the eye.  One piece in particular captured and enveloped me, “Flambouyant”.  This work of art, so vibrant with color and life, reminds me of another artist, Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, who said, “In the beginning God filled the formless void with color, texture, light, flavor, time, and life… Following the Creation narrative, humanity quickly spirals into violence, corruption, and power-hunger toward the total destruction of Creation…”  This is reflected in the parable of the trees where the bramble invited, “come and take shelter in my shade”.  However, the bramble was a low, thorny bush and offered shade to no one.  And, the bramble quickly spiraled, alerting that he would be an oppressive ruler and destroy anyone who disagreed with him.  Overall, this parable highlights that weak, worthless, and wicked humans, will ever be foremost to thrust themselves into power; and, in the end, to bring ruin upon themselves, and on the unhappy people over whom they preside.

Yet, Lauren reassures us that “despite humanity’s destructive nature God gives humanity a chance to start fresh, and the opportunity to choose a different path. God meets us where we are—utterly dependent and bound toward self-destruction—with a promise sealed with a bow bursting with the endless spectrum of colors light holds.”

Relishing in the tapestry of Jillian’s work and ruminating on Lauren’s reflection, mere days after the U.S. Capitol Insurrection, my spirits were renewed. I was reminded of God’s promise and that “in spite of…” God still Reigns!

Thank you for journeying with us from Ash Wednesday to Easter at https://www.wesleyseminary.edu/seminary/lenten-devotional-2021-praying-through-the-seasons/.  I pray that the reflections offered by our contributors have been a source for Rejuvenation and Rebirth.

Credit: Flambouyant by Jillian Ramsammy, 20x24 acrylic on canvas.