PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 5:12-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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, 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.
That is where people find healing, hope and faith in the Lord!
What kind of shadow am I casting for Jesus?
PRAYER
Lord, 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!
O to be suggest a blessing to others that even my shadow would bless them: “so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” I think that is what God had in mind for his people Israel and for us as believers/Jesus followers today. We are to be a blessing. I remember when asked by Muslims we got to know if we would come and pray with them – what compelled them. They got to trust, respect and even expressed love for us. I believe that is the essence of what we are meant to be. O Lord help my ‘shadow’ to bless others I pray!
The apostles did a show and tell among the people just as Christ did. They proclaimed the good news and healed the people just as Christ did. And many were added to the believers. I too need to show and tell of His power and might by my words and deeds. I am His and He is mine and others must need to see and hear this as I serve Him.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my sou