Lightning is a picture of God’s wrath. We hear it said, “Don’t do that or God might strike you down with lightning.” Sinners deserve God’s wrath; to be struck with lightning.

Gene Edward Veith has a picture on his Cranach blog that pictures God’s wrath being poured out on Christ on our behalf:

Christ took the lightning bolt that we deserved and died in our place. And he has risen from the dead, guaranteeing our resurrection as well!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
— 1 Cor 5:21 NIV

All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
— Isaiah 53:6 ESV

Grace and Peace

P.S. The statue is Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.