Cup of Blessing
by Matt Durbin (C) 2011
mattdurbinart.com
“Later, knowing that all was now completed,
and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled,
Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”
– John 19:28
Drink
The fount of living water
bellows drought. I want
to lift a ladle, cold and pure,
so you could be relieved.
But I’m deceived with ease.
“Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned (forsaken) me?” Mark 15:34
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Fear
I taste the juice of forbidden fruit
dripping from Adam’s mouth.
[Jesus] said to [Mary], “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” John 19:26
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Mary at the Cross
I am not old. A bewildered mother
since conception who stored up
each moment. Now I will recall
the way you reached for me, a babe,
“I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com
Note: the broken way in which this poem is formatted is purposeful. Imagine the broken, jagged breath of the criminal on the cross next to Jesus… gasping for every breath… just to simply form sentences.
Breath
Jesus, why are you
up here
with me, why
is our blood
mixing with dirt,
why do our lungs Continue reading
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Matt Durbin (c) 2014
mattdurbinart.com
The People Stood Watching
Come, see a man who told me everything
I ever did. A man who healed my eyes,
fed me bread he multiplied, poured my cup
of wine, washed my feet, called me out
Several years ago our church creative arts ministry offered an event called “7” — a self-directed art-walk focusing on the last seven words of Christ spoken from the cross. Similar to a prayer-walk, an art-work utilizes art to help you prayerfully meditate while walking through a series of stations. There were seven stations and at each was a banner with the words of Christ, a poem by author and poet Sarah M. Wells, and a painting by artist Matt Durbin.
We will be re-creating a “virtual” version of “7” through the Create-A-Day posts with poetry by Sarah and artwork by Matt paired with songs. Our hope is that these posts will prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday, help you consider the cost of Christ’s priceless gift, and worship Jesus more deeply during this blessed season. Continue reading
Another talented artist friend I’ve met here on WordPress. She is definitely worth the follow. God uses her artwork, photographs, and writings to anchor one’s soul to something much deeper and more profound than this world could ever offer.
Holding onto the Light; 2014; 22″ x 15″; mixed media: watercolor and pastel.
Roots tuck under ebony blanket.
Tree-top, reluctant to sleep, teases black sky,
clouds swirling heavy, mounting high.
And in the space in-between,
branches cradle last light in tender arms,
as if tearfully crooning, “so long…”
But when creeping night looks the other way,
they stealthily syphon those silver rays
into secret stashes,
burning bright and clandestine,
‘til morning once more arrives.
Nurturing the Creative Spirit Within 