Somethings going on in the Shadows
Luke 1:34,35
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Isa. 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
In four different passages, the salmist David speaks of being under the shadow of His (Gods’) wings. Ps. 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 63:7
I. Two Kinds of Shadows
A. There are shadows that are creepy and fill with fear
B. There are shadows that one would like to hide in and be sheltered.
II. Why to Found in the Shadows
It is to keep you humble; not trying to be seen.
III. When to be in the Shadows
ALWAYS
Ps. 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
It is the place to dwell.
John said "I must decrease that He may increase
Keep yourself hid, but be sure it is in His presence
IV. Benefits
-blessings unimagineable
God is doing a special work in us. While He has us hid, He is polishing us, and then He places us in His quiver to await the proper time for a special task.
Isa. 49:2
And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;
Song of Solomon 2:3
As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.
--don’t just bear it; enjoy it
Look what can happen when Christ is in you. Peter was full of Christ, and his shadow, passing by others, sent healing to the needy.
Acts 5:15
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.
At this holiday season, are you:
Looking for the presents?
or
Looking for His presence?
Conclusion:
To which side of Christ are you walking?
On one side, leaning toward the world, is the shadow of death.
On the other is cast the shadow of life.
The old song still rings so true; Standing somewhere in the Shadows you’ll find Jesus.
