Charcoal Fire
Date: April 20th, 2025—Easter
Cost: $700
Canvas: 30” x 30”
As I listen to the music being sung on Easter morning, I hear the lyrics, “I will rise from the ashes of defeat,” [Resurrecting, by Elevation Worship] and I think of Jesus bursting triumphantly out of the tomb—glowing like a hot coal—arm in arm with his glowing disciples. Then, just as I start to paint the figures, Doug approaches me and tells me the theme is literally about charcoal fire and Peter’s transformation. I think to myself, ‘OK, image confirmed—I only need to include Peter.’ Doug says the word ‘charcoal fire’ is used only two times in the New Testament—first, Peter warms himself by a ‘charcoal fire’ as he denies being Jesus’ disciple for the third time during the night Jesus is arrested; second, after Jesus has been resurrected he makes a ‘charcoal fire’ to cook some fish and bread for his disciples. As Jesus is cooking he asks Peter three times, ‘Do you love me?’—once for each denial—and Peter answers ‘Yes’ each time. Then, Jesus says, ‘Feed my sheep.’ So, Jesus’ Fiery Love consumes Peter’s worst ‘No,’ and inspires Peter’s greatest ‘Yes.’ My friend, Laura, would later say, ‘It looks like a phoenix,’ which I did not intend, but I see it too—Jesus’ feet merge with the charcoal fire to form the tail—Peter, Jesus, and Mary Magdalene all tuck up their feet underneath and take flight. Though difficult to fully comprehend, on Easter morning 2000 years ago, all of humanity—aflame in Christ—soared to victory over death! And, he’s always cooking food for us on his ‘charcoal fire’ as he passionately awaits our ‘Yes.’