Peter's Shadow

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: General | Jun 1964

"As Peter came by, at least his shadow might overshadow some one of them" (Acts 5.15).

The reverence for the person of Peter here related may be used as an illustration of the profound truth of the unconscious influence of the life of each one of us.

Just as the shadow of Peter fell, all unconsciously to himself, upon those who were laid in his pathway, and brought healing to them, so we may influence for good those with whom we daily come into contact. Although so often overlooked, this is one of the great realities of life. Alas for those whose lives have the opposite effect to this! A man's shadow is the result of his position with regard to the light. So, too, the influence of the lives of each of us will be determined by our attitude towards Christ, who is called "the Light of the world". What we are towards Christ will determine what we are towards men. A man's shadow is the projection in some way of himself; sometimes the outline is sufficiently clear by which to recognize the person. Shadows have a mysterious effect on those on whom they fall, so also what we are will exert an unconscious influence on others. How then do we stand towards Christ, towards His known will, towards the claims of His Lordship, in our life and walk? We are journeying to the land "where no shade, nor stain, can enter". Meanwhile we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, where men sit in darkness and the shadow of death; but into this scene has come "the Dayspring from on high". We have seen the "Light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ".

The unconscious influence of our dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, will be that, like Moses, as we emerge, we shall bear a divine radiance, for "Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone by reason of His speaking with him" (Exodus 34.29).

How simple, yet comprehensive are the words which summarize the life of Christ "who went about doing good" (Acts 10.38)! So, too, should it be with us, for good works should form a vital part of our witness; "good works, which God afore prepared, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2.10).

The royal law remains unaltered, "Thou shalt love". All the negatives of the ten commandments are just gathered up in this comprehensive positive, "Thou shalt love".

Love is essentially an active quality, the fruit of the Spirit, described by what it does and what it does not (see 1 Corinthians 13).

The supreme example is seen in those familiar words: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Jarvis, A. G. | Jun 1964
General