Original Bronze Metal Sculpture~Jesus Christ As The Lion Of Judah~Christian Art

This is an original solid bronze metal sculpture cast by the lost wax method. Sculpture was designed, cast & finished in our family foundry located in Delaware. The inspiration for this sculpture is as follows: The title Lion of Judah is found only once in Scripture (Rev.5:5). It is an unmistakable reference to Jesus. This sculpture is based on that visual image. Scripture is clear that Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah (Mt 1, Luke 3, 33-34, Heb 7, 14). Jesus willingly chose to be identified with this tribe. Keep in mind that when we were born we could not choose our family or when & where our birth would occur. For the birth of Jesus this is not the case. He chose Judah. What is the significance of Judah? The answer to this question is found in Genesis. Israel was divided into twelve tribes. The twelve tribes correlate to the twelve sons of Jacob, Leah & Rachel. Judah was the fourth son of Leah & Jacob. If we examine the life of Judah the man we find a very morally compromised individual. He (and his brothers) sold Joseph into slavery (Gen 37,26), he engaged in prostitution, even occult prostitution (Gen 38, 15) & displayed great hypocrisy in that he was willing to see Tamar executed by fire for an act that he himself had engaged in. Would it not have been a better choice to have the Messiah born from the lineage of Joseph? If left to human reasoning that would have been a clear choice. But the Lord does not think like us. Scripture does not give a clear answer as to why Judah was chosen. I would suggest that the answer can be found with Judah's mother Leah. Leah was the first wife of Jacob. She was politically used by her father & unloved by her husband. It is clear that she was bitter & longed for the love of her husband (Gen 29). Her first three sons gave her hope that her husband would turn his attention to her & show her affection (Gen 29, 32-34). But she was disappointed. The turning point for Leah came with the birth of her fourth son. With her fourth son she was determined to praise the Lord & gave the boy the name Judah. Her situation did not change but her focus did. Now we have a clearer idea of what is meant by the sacrifice of praise. I believe this is what the Lord saw & was pleased with. It is the reason, I believe, He chose this lineage & this name. My goal is to create a sculpture that will be a reminder that we should change our focus from our situation & disappointments & take on an attitude of praise & thanksgiving. It is interesting to note that John knew Jesus well on earth but when he saw Him in heaven John did not recognize Him. This would suggest that His appearance now is very different. I do not believe that the Lord or saints have halos. It is just an artist's attempt to depict a higher spiritual level. I have tried to depict this in this sculpture with a highly reflective background & reflective eyes. Hoping to give the impression that there is great energy & light emanating from His presence. He is a life giving Spirit. Original Bronze Metal Sculpture~Jesus Christ As The Lion Of Judah~Christian Art