“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.” Hebrews 10:1. (NKJV).
Eight year-old Timmy folded his arms across his chest. “I want to see Jesus. Then I’ll believe He’s real.”
Grandfather tilted his head. “Let me show you something, son. Stay here on the couch. Okay?”
He gave a quick nod, chin up. Grandfather walked out of the room into the hall. The lights in the hall brightened. That’s when he saw it. A looming shadow.
“Grandfather,” he called. “Help. A big shadow's coming to get me.”
“I’m here, Timmy,” Grandfather said, as he walked into the room.
He leaped into his grandfather’s arms, put his hands on both sides of his face. “You were the shadow?”
“Yes. The light shone behind me. You saw my shadow. You couldn’t tell how I looked, could you?” Jake shook his head. ”Now I’m in the light...out of the shadows.”
“And now I know you.”
“Right. The Bible tells us the law is a shadow of the good things to come. A shadow can distort the truth and leave much to the imagination.” He shrugged. “ We just fill in the blanks.”
“Like I did.”
“Even though you know me, you didn’t recognize me.”
“I was scared.”
“What happened when I walked into the room and said, ’I’m here.'”
“I was so happy, I jumped into your arms.”
“Why didn’t you jump into the shadow’s arms?”
“’Cause that wasn’t really you—just your shadow.”
“But now I’m here—“
“And I’m safe in your arms.”
“Before the Lord Jesus was born on earth, we had the law that told us how to live. But we broke the law. So the Lord Jesus came, lived a perfect life and fulfilled the law. Now we believe in Him and He abides in us…”
“I still want to see Jesus.”
“I understand what you’re saying. That time will come.”
“It will?”
“Yep. Until that time comes, we trust in Him and live every day with His joy and love in us.”
“And I’ll be able to see Him?” Grandfather nodded.
“That’s something special to look forward to.” He chewed his lip. “Think He’ll come before Christmas?”
Grandfather chuckled. “Nobody knows. Only the Heavenly Father.”
“I can’t wait to see Him, Grandfather.”
Grandfather smiled, gave him a hug.
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus gave us the law. But much more than the law, He fulfilled the law and now gives us the chance to know Him. He loves us with an everlasting love. He promises never to leave nor forsake us. Won’t you come out of the shadows and into His light? He waits for you.