Slideshow image

Read: Acts 5:12-16

“People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”

Peter and the apostles were causing quite a stir. There were great works of healing happening, followed by teachings about Jesus in the temple courts. Crowds gathered. Thousands were becoming believers. Those in power were growing angry, fearing a mob. This little band of leaders was beginning to loom quite large and become quite the attraction. Why were so many people flocking to them? For many, the teachings were powerful and the news of Christ had drawn them. However, certainly some just wanted to be under Peter’s shadow and came solely for the promise of being healed or blessed in some measure.  Some things to consider:

  • Sometimes the word of God and the works of God are overshadowed in our lives by our desire for the gifts of God. 
  • Other times, we live in the shadow of others, looking to them to be our sources of wisdom, or to help, in some way, to fulfill our needs, when, instead, we should be basking in the light of the world. 

We must remember, a shadow only exists because there is a greater light. A person can only speak the words of God and do the works of God with real power because they stand under the light of the world: Jesus.

   “Beware that you do not lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.”   - Aesop

Colossians 2:17 says that temporary religious experiences of life are only shadows of greater things to come but it is Jesus who is the fulfillment. Sometimes we spend so much time grasping for our miracle, our blessings and the fulfillment of our emotional and physical needs and yet that fulfillment is elusive.

Like Peter Pan trying to catch his shadow, we try to wrap our arms around these things we think will fulfill us and yet, soon enough, these things we seek leap out of our grasp. But the real substance, the reality that truly brings life and can meet these ever-elusive needs, is the light that casts the shadow. 

Lastly. Be a shady Christian. As Jesus becomes the light of our life, let us reflect, under his leading to bring comfort and healing to others. As we love others because of God’s love for us, let us point them to the source from whom that comfort and love comes from. 

  • Have you been grasping at shadows? Ask God to reveal any ways in which you have been trying to fulfill your many needs by a shadow of things rather than the substance of God himself. 
  • God gives us the word of God and the Holy Spirit to illuminate our lives in Christ. Run to the light today. Find the real substance of life in prayer, the Word, and in walking under God’s leading on mission to love those around you. 
  • Lastly, for those who are drawing near to Jesus, the light of the world, consider this: when we stand under the light of the son, like Peter, we should also cast a shadow wherever we go that can be a comfort to others. But let us always remind those we serve that healing and comfort are only shadows of things to come. The real source that they must run to is the Son.