Threads through Revelation – Panel 2
Jacqui Parkinson
This artwork seems to explode with exuberant colour. The full eternal rainbow and then at its centre God, simply represented by a sun-like sphere. The mystery of God hidden somewhere in there, but making its surroundings ooze with life and joy. I love it!
And yet it also makes me feel deeply uneasy. Jagged lightening emanates from God which breaks things up and inspires fear. The elders worshipping God are distant, separated from God by the crystal sea, held at bay, nearly, by the seven Spirits. The four living creatures meanwhile, look fierce – not so much as though they are worshipping but more like they are bodyguards making sure that nobody gets too close to God.
This image that John paints of God’s Throne Room, indeed the very words “God’s Throne Room”, feel old-fashioned and out of place. Where is the Jesus who said we were not his servants, but his friends? Where is the God whom we are to address as Abba Father, our Dad? Where is the Jesus we meet in the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the sick, the naked, the prisoner? Where is the crucified and risen God who constantly surprises us by being found not where we expect God to be (in the heavenly throne room) but in places we hardly even thought to look?
This work of art is made up of layers upon layers of fabric; rips in one layer revealing colours and shapes in the layer below. And yet it still feels like it barely scratches the surface. I want to rip off these top layers and discover what lies even deeper below. Is that where the image is of God dancing the dance of life and inviting us to join in? Is that where the image is of us sitting round the table with God, chatting and laughing as we enjoy a meal together? Are there other images deeper down where the relationship between human and God does justice to the life giving colour and exuberance of the layer we see here?
Yes, the holy God who is wholly other, who leaves us awestruck, who demands to be worshipped, is one way to encounter God. An ancient way which drew people to God thousands of years ago. And in art and music, in architecture and nature we can be drawn out of ourselves and encounter God in this way still. But I also desperately want to see the other images of God. The ones the gospel writers gave us, the ones that Jesus found buried deep in the Old Testament and brought to life for us. Are those not the truer images of the God who is love itself?
Biblical References
The Throne Room (Revelation 4)
Calling God Abba, Father (Romans 8:15-16, Galatians 4:6)
When you feed someone… (Matthew 25:31-46)
The Artist
For more information about Jacqui Parkinson and her Threads series, see her website.
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