Bierstadt 2

When we create art we are mimicking the original artistry of God who created the heavens and earth by the power of His word. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). When visual art depicts scenes from nature, such as the landscape we are looking at today, there is a prime opportunity for seeing the glory of God through the art.

The paintings of American artist Albert Bierstadt provided many easterners and Europeans with a first glance of the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. His canvases were gigantic and breathtaking. Even during the tumultuous Civil War era, they commanded prices of $20,000. His work helped usher in the conservation movement, and directly led to the formation of Yellowstone National Park.

Bierstadt painted Surveyor’s Wagon in the Rockies in 1859. With the covered wagon in the foreground and bison in the back, the little figure of a man in the center becomes a symbol of all who have gone on journey to new places. The motif of journey prompts us to ask questions like – where are they from? Where are they going? Will they survive the journey?
The most intriguing question is - What motivates them to go? Is it fortune they seek? A new start in a new land? Are they heading west for missionary work? Historians can supply us with specific information about 19th century pioneers who traveled west in covered wagons. The whole story can only be told by talking to the people.

What a wonderful reminder that man is created in the image of God and is given the right and responsibility to have responsible dominion over creation. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:27-28) These people went forth in the wilderness of the North American frontier. Motivated by many reasons, good and bad, but going forth nonetheless.

Imagine how quiet and serene the land must have been to the pioneers. What a difference from our modern lives filled with 24 hour noise and commotion. However, along with the noiseless surroundings, there must also have been a burden of solitude and loneliness. This serves to remind us of our need for human companionship. How true it is that, "It is not good that the man should be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)

A landscape painting with the majestic Rocky Mountains in the background provides us with opportunity to boast about God. Echoing the words of the Psalmist, we too can have our thoughts turned toward God by contemplating the mountains.

The mountains are mighty, but He is, “The one who by His strength established the mountains, being girded with might.” (Psalm 65:6) The mountains seem to have been here forever, but “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God.” (Psalm 90:2) Mountains provided defense for a city, and likewise God defends His people. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2)

Whether seeing the beauty of creation firsthand or on the painter’s canvas, we can be led to praise God for His creative beauty. Spring is now upon us. The days are getting longer and the Earth is awakening from sleep of winter. Flowers and trees are pouring forth beauty for our eyes. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to praise God. The beauty of creation leads a child of God to doxology.

W. Scott Lamb is a pastor with Providence Baptist Church in South St. Louis County, MO. He and his wife Pearl enjoy the challenges and pleasures of raising their four sons. Feel free to contact Scott at www.pbcstlouis.com.