A SHADOW OF INFLUENCE

“For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” 

(Psalm 63:7, NASB).

A shadow is an extension or reflection of either a living or non-living object. Shadow casting is contingent on light, without light there is no shadow casting. Since non-living objects can’t move unless moved by a force outside itself, its shadow is fixed where it is placed. Therefore, when light shines on it, the shadow casts in a fixed place wherever the position the light is cast upon it. The truth is this present world has its shadows, whereas heaven does not. Now that’s not to say shadows are bad, no, they have their purpose. For example, resting under the shade [or shadow] of a tree can give us some relief from the heat of the sun. Second, the shadows of an eagle’s wings gives both warmth and protection to the young eaglets. So as we can see, shadows do have a certain power and influence. However, without light, there can really be no “shadow” of influence. The fact is, it takes light shining on an object to cast a shadow. The Apostle James refers to God as the “Father of lights” (James 1:17). Even more interesting is the fact that there is no shadow found in Him. We cast shadows, but God does not. Why? Because He is Light, whereas we only reflect light. A full moon shines brightly at night, but the moon itself is not a light. It only reflects the light from the source it draws from, the sun. As believers in Christ, do we draw our light from the Son, the Light of all lights? If we are walking in the Light, then we have the assurance we will reflect that light to the world. Oh, may the light of Christ in us draw people to the love of Christ, while the light may cast our shadow, may it be a shadow of influence that brings refreshment and protection to those who we lead and disciple in Christ. The only time Christ ever cast a shadow was when His glory was veiled in flesh and was hung on a Cross. It was this shadow cast from this particular Cross that has influenced the lives of millions from ages past to the present. May the shadow we cast from the cross we are called to bare influence the lives of everyone God has placed in our lives.

Lord, shadows and light. We are the mixture of both. The shadows we cast reminds us that we are not that light, but rather we are reflecters of the Light of life. The Light we reflect reminds us of the Christ who dwells in our heart. Without Him we could never reflect the Light of Christ. Yes, we may cast shadows, and shadows have their place of influence, but you O Lord, cast no shadows, because You are pure Light, whereas we are but passing shadows that only have power to cast its influence, when the Light of the world, Christ shines on us. Amen.