The Battles of the Shadows: Shadow of Death vs the Shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 23:4 and Psalms 91:1 draw a comparison between two realities: the shadow of death and the shadow of the Almighty. These are two distinct realities that are evident in our world, even today. Surely, we can imagine how dark and bleak the shadow of death is. It is depressive, convulsive, and demoralizing. When in the shadow of death, it seems all hope is lost, and it feels as though the enemy has prevailed. Sadly, some are still oblivious to the existence of this reality, or at least, that’s what Satan and his minions want them to believe. But if you look to the perfect law of liberty, which is Christ in you, you will begin to see the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

The shadow of death can manifest in different forms, some of which are:

    1.Depression – the new pandemic

    2.Anxiety

    3.Loss of a loved one

    4.Loss of income

    5.Loss of property or possessions

    6.Substance abuse

    7.Delayed expectations

    8.Legal battles

    9.Tribulations, trials, and temptations

    10.Diseases, sicknesses, and many more

In my last blog (Light: The Color of the Shadow of the Almighty), I mentioned that it is only in the shadow of the Almighty that you find an inexplicable reality where the shadow is neither dark nor has any variation of darkness. This is because in Him, according to John 1, is light, and this light shines in such a way that it is incomprehensible to the lord of darkness himself. However, the opposite is true for the shadow of death. In John 16:33, Jesus affirmed the differences between both realities. In the shadow of death, you'll find tribulations and all their manifestations, but in the shadow of the Almighty, you'll find victory. Because He who holds the key of David (Rev 3:7), the Root of Jesse (Romans 15:12), the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and the Root of David has prevailed. He is worthy to open the scroll (Rev 5:5), and He has overcome the world. This means you shouldn't linger for another second in the shadow of death.

Truly, the shadow of death and its valley are very frightening. But the only way out of it is to keep your gaze fixed on Jesus, who the Bible attests is the author and finisher of our faith. This leads to the real question: Is Jesus the author and finisher of your faith? The one to whom you yield yourself, according to Romans 6:16, will be your master. If you yield yourself to Jesus, He will be your master, but if you yield yourself to drugs, alcohol, or anything aimed at escaping the shadow of death, you have perpetually yielded yourself as a servant of Satan.

Based on the title of this blog, you may think that the Almighty is engaged in a fierce battle with death. But no, that is not the case. It has been revealed over and over again that the authority of light over darkness is instant and eternal. Darkness only gets stronger in the absence of light. If a tiny matchstick is lit in an expanse of gross darkness, the majority of those in the dark will be able to navigate their way to that tiny light. Hence, the reason why Holy Scripture encourages us to let our light shine before men, that they may glorify our God. In the sequel to The Lord of the Rings (Ring of Power), Lord Bambrel told his fighters that darkness cannot be overcome by force, but only by light. This is why alcohol, drugs, illicit substances, and voodoo cannot get one out of the shadow of death—only the light of God can. This light is the true reality and of the highest quality. This light is a person who died like sinners, though He knew no sin. This light was unjustly spat upon by those He came to save, though He had legions of angels at His command, and yet He chose the response of mercy and forgiveness rather than destruction. This light was buried but was evicted on the third day by Hades because His brightness couldn't be contained by the earth He created. This light gave His body and blood to us as the confirmation of the new covenant, grafting us into the Vine (or the divine). This light ascended to heaven and descended again in the Holy Spirit. This light is JESUS, the Son of God, and I encourage you to embrace Him with your whole heart.. 

Here's a confession laid in my spirit, you can personalize it 

I [insert your name], 

The shadow of the Almighty is my reality. Because I dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalms 91:1).

The shadow of death is not my reality. Because I dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalms 23:4).

Shalom aleichem brothers and sisters.

Babasile Daniel I