Perfect Peace
There’s a phrase that the Bible uses in Philippians 4:7 that has always captured my imagination, “The peace that passes understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” It’s not only poetic, but powerful – and perfectly exemplified by Jesus himself in the way in which he walked the original Lenten journey and in his Passion. There’s an old fable* that I read this week that illustrates the true nature of the peace that only God can offer – I hope you enjoy my little retelling here:
One day, in an ancient age of Kings and Queens, there was a competition to find the artist who was best able to reflect – in a painting – the image of perfect peace.
Owing to the importance of the task, painters and artists came from all parts of the country. All in all, more than one hundred paintings were created in an attempt to illustrate the moment of quintessential calm and tranquility.
Some of the paintings showed lovely sunrises or sunsets. Others offered mountain vistas or sandy shorelines with a gentle sea, or beautiful birds dappled in light, or inundations of colorful flowers, or a quiet snowfall.
But on the last day of the competition, a strange painting appeared. It represented the total opposite: it was a scene in which the sea furiously struck against a rocky shore under cold, steely clouds through which only a few rays of light reached the troubled waters below.
All of the paintings were presented to a respected Bishop who was relied upon to choose the winner. The problem was, the Bishop rejected every single work he was shown.
“Isn’t there anything more? Is there nothing different? None of these will do!”
The response came, “No, Sir! We’ve brought you all the entries. All one hundred.” However, in reality, there was one other picture - the one depicting the angry sea - it was thought that its author had been confused about the topic of the competition. One bold servant spoke up, “There is one other, Sir. But, it has nothing to do with perfect peace.” “Bring it forth!”
After a few minutes, the painting of the tempest was brought in. The Bishop began to analyze the work, especially observing the tiny details, and then - in an instant - a smile spread across his wizened face. “We have found the winner,” he proclaimed.
“What?!” countered all those present. They were greatly confused.
“Yes, yes… look, look here… just on the branch of this tree. Observe this tiny bird that remains quiet, tranquil, and still amidst the torment of the storm.” Everyone was surprised to discover this miniscule detail.
The Bishop continued, “Peace is not always found in a place without noise, without troubles, without wind and rain. Despite the vast power of the storm, this little bird is able to remain serene. This is the true meaning of ‘perfect peace.’”
I really love that story. I’m hopeful that this year’s Lenten journey, following in Jesus’ footsteps, will draw us nearer to the strength and shelter that the little bird had found..
If you sense that you need some practice in discovering this place of peace, you are surely not alone! We’re offering an opportunity to practice, starting this Sunday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Java Stop at church and running through the season of Lent. If you’d like some help and company in opening yourself to Jesus’ perfect peace and in listening to his words in a quiet place, please consider joining this small group. I know I need to be there, and would love to see you there, too!
- Pastor Gregg
*The version that I read is from a book called “Cuentos Para Entender El Mundo,” in which author Eloy Moreno retells short stories and fables from around the world.