August 23rd

August 23rd

Read: Luke 22:54-62; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Acts 5:12-16

When Peter’s shadow fell upon the serving girl while he stood near the fire in the moments when Jesus stood before Caiaphas, it was a shadow of fear, fear that he too might be
arrested. The others around that fire knew his life and thought less of him and of Jesus because of his denial. What had changed Peter by the time when even his shadow healed someone? Everyone he touched was healed! What had happened? Calvary, Resurrection, Christ’s ascension, and Pentecost had happened. Now he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Fear no longer ruled him. What sort of shadows do I cast upon others? How about yours?

SHADOWS
On Christ’s last night as Peter stood
In flickering firelight’s glare,
His shadow fell upon the crowd
Of guards and servants there.

And he denied; three times said, “No.”
He didn’t know His Lord.
Then the cock at morn did crow
And he recalled Christ’s word.

He knew the people in that hour
Had understood his dread,
Had laughed at Jesus’ claim to power
When he in fear had fled.

As your shadow comes to fall
On stranger whom you meet,
Oh, pray it might not cast a pall
But leave a fragrance sweet.

A savor of God’s loving ways,
A lingering odor rare,
A fragrance to enhance his days,
To ease his trial and care.

For if in fear you turn away
And fail to share Christ’s claim
Of power, and leave in sheer dismay,
Then you deny His name.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may my fragrance be sweet and my shadow healing as I serve You.