Peace in the Midst of the Storm,

Steve preached on the Angel’s song of peace this past Sunday. To illustrate—literally—what Christians mean by peace, he shared this story and painting.

Long ago a man sought the perfect picture of peace. Not finding one that satisfied, he announced a contest to produce this masterpiece. The challenge stirred the imagination of artists everywhere, and paintings arrived from far and wide. Finally, the great day of revelation arrived. The judges uncovered one peaceful scene after another, while the viewers clapped and cheered…Last to be uncovered by Christian artist Jack Dawson and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace?

 A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel it’s cold, penetrating spray. Stormy-gray clouds threatened to explode with lightning, wind and rain. In the midst of the thundering noises and bitter chill, a spindly tree clung to the rocks at the edge of the falls.  How can this be a depiction of peace?  Look carefully…

One of its branches reached out in front of the torrential waters as if foolishly seeking to experience its full power. A little bird had built a nest in the elbow of that branch. Content and undisturbed in her stormy surroundings, she rested on her eggs. With her eyes closed and her wings ready to cover her little ones, she manifested peace that transcends all earthly turmoil.

“Peace in the Midst of the Storm,” Jack Dawson