“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. The tensions grew. Only two pictures remained veiled. As a judge pulled the cover from one, a hush fell over the crowd. A mirror-smooth lake reflected lacy, green birches under the soft blush of the evening sky. Along the grassy shore, a flock of sheep grazed undisturbed. Surely this was the winner.
The man with the vision uncovered the second painting himself, and the crowd gasped in surprise. Could this be peace? A tumultuous waterfall cascaded down a rocky precipice; the crowd could almost feel its 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. 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.”
Wouldn’t it be nice to experience that kind of peace? You can! The Lord Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” – John 14:27. Those who trust in Jesus Christ find true peace. To those who reject Him, God says, “there is no peace” – Isaiah 48:22.
Which is the picture that describes you? It is in Christ alone that we have the peace of no longer being under condemnation (Romans 8:1), and a continued peace that “surpasses all understanding.” – Philippians 4:7.
Would you like to no more? I would love to talk with you, pray for you, and help you discover God’s truth and hope for life. Find out more at www.taylorcreekchurch.org. If you would like to join us this Sunday in person, email us at tccdirectionforlife@gmail.com or call us as 425-432-0634. You can also join us via livestream by going to the TCC website and click on the livestream link. Worship begins at 10:15 a.m.
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