The piece “Battle Won, Wedding Begun” portrays the point in time when we cross over to the glorious side of eternity. This turning point is after we finish the spiritual battles we endured on earth and begin the beautiful wedding with our Lord in Heaven (Revelation 19). Though we gird ourselves with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), we also wear the garments of a bride, for we are the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5) and made righteous by Jesus’ sacrifice. At some point in the glorious future when we finish our race with His great mercies and grace, we will stand face to face with Yahweh, the Lion of Judah, and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25). This piece was created to depict the wonderful hope we have on the other side of eternity and the transition from battle to wedding!

The piece “Battle Won, Wedding Begun” highlights two elements of the spiritual armor: the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:16-17). It is our faith in Jesus, not in ourselves, that pushes us further in our walk with Him and the daily battles against the world, the enemy, and the flesh. Just as the shield is used for defense in battle, our ultimate defense is standing firm in knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sins once and for all. Jesus’ sacrifice is the defense for our faith; His sacrifice is the answer to those who ask why we have hope (1 Peter 3:15).

The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is always in our immediate reach and will transform us and those around us when we use it with wisdom and discernment. When all else seems to fail, we must remember to return to the Word of God, for even God Himself esteemed the Word above His name (Psalm 138:2). We may only partially comprehend the true power of the Word of God, but we should stand firm in believing that His Word truly pierces the spirit and soul and transforms lives (Hebrews 4:12).

In this piece, the shield and sword are held and worn, respectively, by a bride, who represents the Church Age believers as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). How glorious it is that Jesus, the Lion of Judah, not only fights our battles for us (Deuteronomy 1:30, 3:22) but that He has promised us a beautiful wedding on the other side of eternity (Revelation 19:6-9)! The bride’s garments of fine linen remind us that it is Jesus who clothes us in His righteousness. How encouraging it is that amidst our current spiritual battles, our faith in Jesus, the Word of God, and utilizing the rest of the spiritual armor will result in celebration!

A cloud of glory is portrayed in this piece to remind us that God’s presence is always with us, for He has promised that He will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:20). Let us endure each moment on this side of eternity with the mindset that God brings us through each battle, He will never leave us, and we have a joyous destination! Let us finish our race and endure our battles confidently and steadfastly with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), looking forward the blessed hope of Jesus’ return (Titus 2:13). Maranatha!

Limited edition canvas prints may be requested of this piece. Please contact Dr. S. L. Yang for a canvas print (PeacefulRainDS@gmail.com). The cost of a signed 16x20 canvas print is $70 plus shipping. Other sizes of canvas prints may be requested as well. The original piece is 16x20 and can be purchased for $500 plus shipping.

I desire to bless others with my artwork and utilize the artistic skills with which God has gifted me. I sell original work and prints as well as do commissioned art projects. A collection of my work can be found on my website: www.PeacefulRainDS.com. I can be contacted regarding originals, prints, and commissioned projects at PeacefulRainDS@gmail.com.