FORWARD

When I was shown these remarkable portraits for the first time I was, to say the least, amazed at the beauty and extravagance of construction. The fact that they were hand drawn and in colour amazed me further, but more than this they introduced me to a man who knew the intimate details of Scripture and applied them to his own life?

In bringing to life various texts from the Bible, John Green powerfully and dramatically confirms his reliance upon God for his everyday need. He emphasises the truth and reality of God as a guiding light bringing into sharp focus the power and truth of Scripture as a pattern for everyday life.

In his opening portrait, a Title Page, John Green establishes his faith in and reliance upon the word of God.  As you browse these very significant portraits acknowledge the artistry and craftsmanship of this man, but also take time to appreciate his faith in God and his eagerness to share this with others by producing an illuminated sequence of portraits which identify the characteristics of the creator God.

Of course we do not know and shall probably never know the motive behind John’s creation of these portraits. Perhaps they are a picture of his life – the ups and downs, the joy and despair; perhaps too they reflect our own lives.

My comments therefore are pure speculation but hopefully they will prompt you to think a little deeper and reflect a little longer on a subject which, sadly today, seems all too remote and no longer seen as relevant by the society in which we live and die!

Ted Ashworth    Pastor – Blisworth Baptist Church  2008

Realising that an interpretation of material like this is subjective and personal, it seems appropriate to ask whether anyone reading this would like to offer further words, suggesting an extension or modification.  The form below gives people an opportunity to 'write in' - anonymously if they wish.  Ted Ashworth would be happy to edit and/or extend the texts.

Messages and comments received are reproduced anonymously in panels at the bottom of this page, if permission is given - thank you.

          Title Page

1                     Acknowledging that the seasons of God’s created earth will remain, thus telling us that God is like His world – solid, reliable and without end. His Rock of salvation.

2      Recognising the forgiving nature of God – perhaps in some way John Green seeks forgiveness after a rebuke.

3      Accepting God’s way is best and whilst following that way he is thankful. This may also indicate that John took a ‘wrong turning’ in his life and was corrected by God’s intervention – he gives Glory to God.

4     Confession - here is perhaps an admission of a hasty comment or gossip and reflects John’s acceptance that we should all be careful of our tongues.

5      The counterpoint to the previous portrait – telling us that words of grace are welcome in God’s eyes. John emphasises here the fruit of the Spirit perhaps?

6      The word ‘upright’ occurs seven times in the chosen texts from Psalms. Simply emphasising that honesty and integrity will conquer and will be acknowledged by society.   Perhaps here John is telling us that one day all evil will be banished?

7      Again there is further recognition of the creation and a reminder that no matter what man does to the earth, it remains incumbent upon us to give thanks continually.

8      Following a time of prayer, here John asks for God’s blessing and acceptance.

9      Interestingly, another word is repeated ‘seven’ times and of course the number ‘seven’ is used throughout scripture. This time he exhorts the ‘people’ to worship God, and to be happy in their worship. This is most unusual, since in those days of 1915, in the middle of WW1, life was anything but happy and worship services could be quite sombre. Here is a reflection of contemporary worship in renewed churches today. An amazing foresight!

10      Although a quotation from Proverbs in the Old Testament here John is preparing for the entry of Jesus Christ into the story, for in this portrait he sees the New Testament teaching of ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.

11     Perhaps, as he paints this picture John sees the first evidence of spring and gives God thanks for deliverance through what may have been a hard winter.

12      And now here we have the full acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and for the first time John turns fully to the new testament and highlights the word ‘light’ which of course is Jesus himself.

13     A quotation from the Beatitudes – perhaps reflecting the urgent need for peace during that terrible war of 1914 – 18. A cry for help maybe – or simply an acceptance that war will never bring peace. Of course this continues to be the case today.

14      page missing

15      page missing

16      John returns again to the Old Testament and here highlights the importance of keeping close to God in times of trouble. He uses the word ‘servants’ which usually identifies Ministers or Pastors. Perhaps here is cry for help on behalf of others. Indeed, this particular portrait seems to be a ‘one off’, but then the two previous pages are missing, so we can only speculate upon the reason for inclusion here.

17     A final recognition that God is immortal and invisible. A concluding portrait that gives all Glory to God and a final recognition that no matter what happens in our lives, we must give God the Glory – always as indeed John Green has throughout this magnificent story of his life, his faith and his reliance upon a Holy God.

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