Acts 5: 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
This is a remarkable story. We’re told that Paul was so consistent in his life that he’d send a handkerchief to the sick and they’d be healed. Here is an observation about Peter. He was so consistent that his shadow made an impact and people were healed.
Peter was on Solomon’s porch, the same place Jesus had walked and done miracles. Jesus had resurrected and gone back to heaven. Now Peter occupied that space and his shadow had an impact. Our shadow is the least part of us, but even it is powerful. The temple personnel were the ones against Jesus. The enemies of Jesus were still there. Regardless of their influence, this time it didn’t work. Jesus couldn’t be crucified again. No matter what kind of presence they had, the presence of God’s people was greater.
The people had confidence in the apostles and the Lord they served. Whenever their shadows were cast, impossibilities were done. We are saved for a purpose. We are his servants enlisted to follow him. Jesus told a few men to leave their boats and they would become fishers of men. If you face the sun, a shadow is cast behind you. Jesus is the light of the world. It started with a few, then 70, then multitudes. When they stayed in the shadow of Jesus he took care of them. The people took notice they had been with Jesus.
Once Peter followed afar off and warmed himself by the devil’s fire. He failed and denied the Lord. He hid and wept bitterly. After the resurrection, ascension, and Day of Pentecost he got back in the shadow of Jesus. The light was so great that it touched everyone on whom his shadow fell. If you want to have a presence, get close to Jesus. Peter lifted a lame man up and he leaped and praised God. Everyone around the temple took notice of God and the miracles taking place because the shadow of Jesus Christ illuminated his followers.
Our presence is of utmost importance in this world. Have you ever seen a time of such evil influence? It seems the cage of the worst demons has been opened. We have to fight the influences of the devil. We’re needed. Our shadow reaches places we don’t making its reach greater. Our influence as Christians does the same. Yes. We need to witness vocally, but we’ll win more by a godly influence.
There is no neutral. We will have a shadow. Live right. Keep Jesus in front and those behind us will see his shadow. Stay true. Stay in line with the Son. He’ll create a shadow for us and people will see the light of Jesus. Our standard of faithfulness will do more than our lips. When you see a shadow you know someone is standing in the light. People see our shadow before they listen to our words. The shadow we leave will still have an effect after we’re gone. Pray for the light of Jesus to shine and help you cast a shadow for God.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 