ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.
the cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

isaiah 11:6-9 ESV

This painting was not done on site. I pray that Paul wasn’t this close to the animal while he was doing a portrait of his face. Paul shot this bear at close range, but it was a bear that had been shot a couple years prior to this, by one of his best friends. Obviously, it had survived to see another day. I imagine that the bear was photographed in Paul’s memory at one of those two events for future painting. Paul had a few pieces of jewelry that were engraved with the image of a bear paw. He had great respect for these large animals that would fiercely defend their young cubs if they were harassed. I recall a trip to Yellowstone, when we hiked with cowbells to keep the bears aware that we were coming.

The Bible verses in Isaiah are painting a beautiful commentary on what God’s kingdom will be like. It will be a place where everyone gets along with each other. It will be perfect in every way. Through the Gospel, we have been redeemed by God’s perfect Son and reconciled to become members of this amazing place as heirs to the kingdom.

I often wonder what heaven will be like. I don’t expect to be floating around on a cloud. I don’t think there will be a Starbucks where all of those who have passed, gather to tell stories. I believe it is beyond our wildest imagination. I believe this collection of verses from the prophet of old, is intended for us to look forward to a perfect life, where hate and anger do not exist. Where tears and fears no longer occur. Where pain and suffering have been healed by the Son of God through His amazing grace.

We may have days of fear and dread – our hearts may wish that they were dead,

A lifetime filled with pain and loss – we wonder why we bear this cross,

But God’s compassion for His fold – a thing of beauty to behold,

He holds us tightly in His hands = It’s true! He always understands,

So, when my days on earth are done – I’ll be with Him, the victory’s won,

Perfection lays before my feet – I’ll walk upon a golden street,

No harm befalls me on the way – I cannot wait for that sweet day.