Reflecting on Acts 5:12-16
“That Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” (Acts 5:14)
In many parts of the world, the church is experiencing dramatic growth.
Except for some reason in originally churched western nations.
There many churches are shrinking, or dying, or barely holding on.
What strikes me here is how positive people felt about Jesus’s followers.
“They were highly regarded by the people.” (Acts 5:13)
Sadly, nowadays some prefer to avoid even the shadow of a christian.
Is the way we reflect Jesus to our world driving people away?
I believe signs like conversion or healing follow Jesus-like character.
That is, the ‘gifts’ of the Spirit flow from the ‘fruit’ of the Spirit.
As we walk with the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit changes us, and works through us.
As Jesus followers, our presence should convey God’s love, joy, peace, etc.
People will be drawn to this, and will seek our presence, even our shadow.
“Like the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.” (Is 32:2)
We can be a place for desperate people to find healing, hope and faith in Jesus.
What kind of shadow am I casting for Jesus?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, help me to be more like You, so people can see and experience You through me. Use me to bless, help, heal, serve many, that they may come to You!

Practicing the Way to be more like Jesus – to be Christ like – that others may see Christ living in me by the fruit of the Spirit.
1 To be like Jesus, To be like Jesus.
All I ask, to be like Him.
All thru life’s journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, to be like Him.
2 To love like Jesus, to love like Jesus.
All I ask, to love like Him.
All thru life’s journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, to love like Him.
3 To pray like Jesus, to pray like Jesus.
All I ask, to pray like Him.
All thru life’s journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, to pray like Him.
4 To serve like Jesus, to serve like Jesus.
All I ask, to serve like Him.
All thru life’s journey from earth to glory,
All I ask, to serve like Him.