Out from the Shadows

I grew up under athletic shadows, under a dynasty of athletics. In fact, there was an award at my high school in Kalamazoo where nearly all of my uncles’, cousins’, and family members’ names were engraved on a Senior Athlete plaque. I remember feeling the stress and honor of wanting my name to be listed among them.

Being in the shadow of someone else’s strengths whether at work, in your home, in your friend circles, in ministry can be intimidating or even demoralizing. Being in the shadow of someone else can make a person feel unnoticed, or that their contributions aren’t measuring up in the shadows of other’s large accomplishments. Living, and especially thriving, under these perceived shadows of others can be very difficult.

James – Under the Ultimate Shadow

Shadows are not someplace we generally strive to be, except to hide from the heat, but I don’t even sit under umbrellas when I’m outside in the sun. It’s naturally assumed someone will want to come out from under it as shadows are constantly moving, temporary.

Jesus’ half brother, James, had an incredible shadow over him. His very brother was the son of God, the Messiah. The Lamb of God sent to save the world, to save James. That’s some shadow.

He originally didn’t even believe Jesus was the Son of God, going so far as to convince Jesus to stop His ministry and come home. I mean, people would have understood if James never stepped out to do his own ministry after that awkward situation. James could’ve discredited himself with thoughts of his pre-resurrection beliefs and actions, but he didn’t.

Instead, James used what he had to impact the world around him. He became one of the wisest men writing what some call the Proverbs of the New Testament in his book called James. He became one of the most sought after church leaders for counsel, even Paul sought James’ thoughts on doctrine and difficult matters of the early church. He didn’t let his rough start of being skeptical of Jesus disqualify or inhibit him. He didn’t let Jesus’ large ministry keep him from using the gifts and talents he had. James’ life had been changed, so he looked for who else needed this message of life change and impacted the ones around him.

I, like James, don’t have to be intimidated by shadows. I don’t have to be anything except me. I just need to use my story and gifts to impact the people around me. Just use whatever platform I have been given, but share the message. The message is what is central, not me.

Shadow of the Almighty

There is really only one shadow I am under, the shadow of the Almighty. I am an image of my Savior, a shadow of His Presence. I don’t mind staying in that. I can relish in that. I can point to something larger and rejoice in that. His shadow is where protection and safety abound. In His shadow, I’m actually standing in the light.

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."