1 John 2:17 (NLT)
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
DRAWING NOTES:
TIME OF DAY:
Unspecified in Bible text.
LIGHTING NOTES:
There is subtle light from above that illuminates this scene.
CHARACTERS PRESENT:
A Christian man & woman.
RESEARCH/ADDITIONAL NOTES:
There are 4 variations of this scene, based on lighting effects & the possessions of the people in the scene, see below:
ANCIENT versions
01) This page – World fading (Ancient 01) – The people’s possessions are from the ancient world. The figures are illuminated with more subtle lighting.
02) Next page – World fading (Ancient 02) – The people’s possessions are from the ancient world. The figures are illuminated with strong, heavenly light & shadow effects.
MODERN versions
03) Next page – World fading (Modern 01) – The people’s possessions are from the modern world. The figures are illuminated with more subtle lighting.
04) Next page – World fading (Modern 02) – The people’s possessions are from the modern world. The figures are illuminated with strong, heavenly light & shadow effects.
This is my literal interpretation of verse 17 which states, “And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave.” I have made the Christian couple’s possessions (stacked up behind them [1]) translucent & fading into oblivion. I have called this scene “Ancient” to distinguish the people’s possessions in it from those of current times seen in the “Modern” versions.
Notice that the man is letting coins slip away from his hand, & the woman is throwing a pearl & gold necklace over her shoulder! These are symbols of what many people have considered “valuables”, down through the ages. This couple have found a much more valuable treasure (Jesus in heaven) & so are ready to discard their earthly possessions in favour of a greater, heavenly one.
The couple themselves are walking towards the Lord God in heaven (behind the viewer).
[1]
The couple’s possessions include a potter’s wheel (you know, the thing people use to make pottery!), a wooden chest, tools, plates, a cup, a blue jar, lantern, bread (under the potter’s wheel work bench) & various fabrics & clothes.