In the United States Capitol rotunda hangs a 12’ by 18’ oil-on-canvas painting by the American artist John Trumbull. This beautiful and priceless painting recreates the spirit of the historic meeting in which our forefathers presented a draft of the Declaration of Independence to Congress. 

Trumbull first painted a much smaller version of the same scene, which is now displayed at the Yale University Art Gallery. The painting shows 42 of the 56 signers of the Declaration. Evidently the artist viewed the actual people, or their portraits, in order to be as accurate as possible. He also visited Independence Hall so he could paint the chamber where the Second Continental Congress met. The larger work of art was commissioned in 1817, and was hung in the United States Capitol rotunda in 1826.

The painting is sometimes incorrectly described as a recreation of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But Trumbull painted the five-man drafting committee as they present their draft of the Declaration to the Congress. This historic meeting took place on June 28, 1776. The signing of the Constitution took place on August 2, 1776.

What a privilege the men in this picture were experiencing! However, only history would reveal the significance of this event. It was an historic moment that changed the world, but none of them probably realized the true impact their lives were making. 

The same is true of another meeting you may know about. If cameras or an artist would have been available somewhere around 30 AD, in Jerusalem, another similar historic moment could have been captured. It was a moment that not only changed the world; it would change eternity for millions, if not billions, of people. It was a prayer meeting on The Day of Pentecost following Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. That meeting that would go down in history as the first time any human being would receive the “power from on high” that Jesus had promised. It was the first time anyone had ever received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in another language. 

What a privilege it must have been to be an eyewitness and participant in that event. This was not a meeting of dreamers, who were planning a new government.  It was a meeting of believers, who were cooperating with God as He established His church. They were just everyday people who chose to believe Jesus’ promise when he said “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The believers who met in the upper room over 2000 years ago didn’t even know what receiving the Holy Spirit would look or feel like. All they knew was that Jesus said it was coming. When 120 of them received the Holy Spirit in that upper room, the whole city heard about it. Later that day, after Peter preached, 3000 others were saved. 

What we sometimes forget is that there were some who missed the opportunity to be a part of that historic even. We are aware that at least 500 people saw Jesus ascend into heaven, but only 120 were waiting for the power 10 days later in Jerusalem. It was time, and they were present. 

You and I are present in this time. Let’s see if we can embrace our place in history!