Powerful Shadows

Text: Acts 5:12-16
Theme: God-anointed people have tremendous influence on others.
Key verses: “The church would gather as a unified group…” (v. 12b). “The church’s popularity was so great that when Peter walked down the street, people would carry out their sick relatives hoping his shadow would fall on some of them as he passed. Even people from towns surrounding Jerusalem would come, bringing others who were sick or tormented by unclean spirits, all of whom were cured” (v. 15-16).
What God said to me: Dwayne, warning: you are tettering on the edge of sin this morning. Your mind is toying with ungodly thoughts and ideas that you had better rebuke and turn away from. I can use you just as much as I used those early Christians in this passage–but you have to be just as humble and obedient to me. Notice that those Christians were unified. That’s the first step in having powerful shadows that others look to for help. You must love each other deeply. Next, see how popular my church was to those in Jerusalem. There was an excitement and awe in the air because of my people being the salt and light they were called to be. Peter was clearly anointed by me to preach and lead those believers. The non-believers around him also sensed his anointing–although they didn’t know what it was or what to call it. They just knew that Peter was my man and I was with him. Therefore, they wanted to get near him and be in his shadow. Dwayne, I still have men and women whose shadows make an eternal impact of others. I still have sold-out followers who demand the respect and attention of their family and colleagues. Here’s the question for you today: What kind of shadow are you casting?
What I said to God: Holy Lord, thank you for meeting with me this morning. Forgive me for my inconsistency. As I sit here, snow is falling outside my window. The frigid temps outside don’t bother me though, for I am sheltered in this warm house. In the same way, I am sheltered in you. May those I meet today notice something different about me. May my shadow of influence be something others will want to be near, to impact and change their lives forever. Bottom line, may the shadow I cast represent a man of God who is anointed and empowered by you, because I follow you carefully and find shelter in you only.