The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. All the believers used to meet in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the street and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall upon them as he passed by. Acts 5:12-15
What child hasn’t been fascinated with their shadow at one time or the other? I guess we’ve all played games where we create different animals, shapes, or fun objects using our shadows. As teachers, Groundhog Day was the day casting a shadow became a perfect lesson. Whether we think about it or not, our shadow is always with us, and we can’t separate ourselves from it.
Randy and I had the opportunity to visit the Alamo in San Antonio last week with friends. There’s such history there, and it’s hard to believe that less than 200 frontiersmen fought there against over 1500 Mexican soldiers to claim this for the Republic of Texas. The frontiersmen lost the battle, but the inspiration of that battle lives on. The history is so important to Texans that they have made the Alamo a sacred shrine, and the government has decreed that no building may cast a shadow upon the Alamo.
Casting a shadow is not something we think about unless someone draws our attention to it, but the idea gave me reason to ponder its importance. Our shadow is a part of us, and maybe we should think about how we cast our shadow might influence others. Will it be a positive way or a negative way? Will it work for good or for bad?
In the scripture above, the shadow refers to Peter and the tremendous influence he had on the lives of others. He was so influential that people longed just to have him cast a shadow on them. He cast a shadow for good.
Contrast Peter with Adolph Hitler. Germany lives even to this day under the negative shadow he cast so many years ago. He cast a shadow of evil and hatred.
Who can argue the impact the shadow of the cross has had on our world? The cross is a reminder of God’s love and sacrifice for all of mankind, and its influence is always positive. Jesus cast a shadow for love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Each day presents a new opportunity to cast a shadow for good. It affords us an opportunity to leave the world a little bit better than we found it, impart Christian thoughts and habits to our children and grandchildren, be the person God would have us be, love our neighbor, forgive those who have wronged us, and live each day for Jesus.
Frank Lloyd Wright puts it this way, The present is the moving shadow that divides yesterday from tomorrow. In that lies hope.
We can’t separate ourselves from the shadow we cast.
Wonderful, as usual. This really something we need to think about!