It Was Only A Shadow
Photo by Trophim Laptev on Unsplash
Only a Shadow
When a child sees their shadow for the first time, they realize it’s connected to them but don’t understand why. They react and interact with it. At first, some may be afraid of their shadows, while others try playing with their shadow like it were another person.
Surprisingly, research shows that a full understanding of our shadows doesn't occur until preadolescence, even into early teen years. Realizing your shadow isn’t personally and permanently attached to you is a gradual process.
A shadow is a silhouette shape cast by our body, blocking the sun’s light or another source of light. It’s not who we are, but a temporary image of our form.
In a sense, this is the difference between the Old Covenant relationship with God and the new one based on God's grace, by faith. It was a genuine relationship, but it was at a distance. Just as there was a separation between Moses and the people, a separation existed between God and Moses.
Moses couldn’t physically look at God, but could hear Him (Exodus 33:20). The people with Moses insisted on his speaking with God, then telling them what God said (Exodus 20:19). Both relationships were indirect. Moses represented God to the people and vice versa.
The Old Covenant Law foreshadowed the New Covenant of grace. The relationship between God and humanity would change. It would no longer be based on obedience to the Law, but on trust in the Lord and His grace.
God removed the separation between Himself and all people with the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
Scripture Text
Moses’ Teachings with their yearly cycle of sacrifices are only a shadow of the good things in the future. They aren’t an exact likeness of those things. They can never make those who worship perfect.
If these sacrifices could have made the worshipers perfect, the sacrifices would have stopped long ago. Those who worship would have been cleansed once and for all. Their consciences would have been free from sin.
Instead, this yearly cycle of sacrifices reminded people of their sins. (The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.) [vss 1-4] (Hebrews 10:1-4 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 10]
Key Phrase —
Moses’ Teachings with their yearly cycle of sacrifices are only a shadow…
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What are we told about the sacrifices under the Law of Moses?
What do you think it means that they are "only a shadow..." and not "an exact likeness"?
What could these sacrifices never do? Why couldn't they make people "perfect"?
How did the annual sacrifices remind "people of their sins"?
Things to Consider—
The Old Covenant relationship with God required perfect obedience to all the laws and many, many sacrifices. Way too many Christians live as if they are still in a relationship with God under the Law and try to be "good in God's eyes."
This attempt to be good enough for God is called self-justification. It's a false attempt at righteousness.
At some point, Christian believers need to accept the full forgiveness and kindness that Jesus gives by grace. This honors God more than any effort at goodness on our part.
Christianity is not about living a morally good life. Although moral goodness is to be valued, reducing the Christian life to this robs it of life and depth.
Christian believers are not called to follow a set of rules for a good moral life. We are called to follow Jesus in a personal relationship by faith, a personal trust in Jesus.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
Is your conscience free from the guilt of sin? If not, how do you handle your guilt?
Do you struggle with self-inflicted guilt and condemnation?
Have you come out from under the shadow of the law to walk in the light of God’s grace?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
