Shadows

Dr. Ronnie Wolfe

The word shadow is found 71 times in the Bible, but it is used in different ways. We all know what a shadow is, although it may be hard to give a proper definition to it.

I.  SHADOW OF DEATH

This is a familiar phrase read in the Bible, and it is found 19 times in the Bible. Notice Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Great light came to those who were in the shadow of death, reading to die and be cast into Hell's hot wrath; but great light came to them, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and lit their way to a heavenly peace with God through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

See also Job 3:5; Luke 1:79; Psalm 23:4

II.  SHADOW OF THINGS TO COME

Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Romans 7:12 says, Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good, but it cannot save a soul. The law is simply a shadow of the good things to come in Christ as He fulfilled the shadow of the law in his death, burial, and resurrection and made a way of reconciliation for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

These things to come are "good things to come," which include the time when Jesus came to earth to live a perfect life for us and then to die the death of the cross to pay for our sins.

These good things to come also include the coming of Jesus Christ again from Heaven to deliver us into his eternal kingdom.

See also Hebrews 8:5; 10:1

III.  NO SHADOW OF TURNING

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Not only does God NOT turn from his essence and, his attributes, and his decrees, but there is not even a shadow of turning with Him. He is always faithful.

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

The dark shadow of human effort, which is so weak, and Satan's dark shadow of heresy and hatred for God cannot bring even a light shadow, or temptation, for God to turn from His faithfulness. He is faithful!

IV.  SHADOW OF THY WINGS

Psalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

As the sings of the Cheribum in the tabernacle cast a shadow over the mercy seat, thus metaphorically the wings of God overshadow us as a protective cover to keep us in his arms, abiding our every step and leading us into righteousness.

See also Psalm 36:7; 57:1

V.  SHADOW THAT PASSES AWAY

Psalms 144:4 Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

Our days on earth are as a shadow, passing away day by day, leading us toward the inevitable shadow of death, which we all shall meet.

Our lives pass away in a short time, and we who believe will be with God and Christ for eternity.

But those who do not believe, also meeting that weary shadow of death in a few days, will not be with God and Christ but will be doomed to eternal torment. It is important, then, that everyone flee from the wrath to come by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, his death, burial, and resurrection.