In a world often filled with fleeting trends and superficial pursuits, the yearning for something real, something of substance, resonates deeply within us. Beth Moore, a renowned Bible teacher, delves into this very concept in her insightful message, “Substance and Shadow.” This powerful sermon explores the contrast between the temporary shadows of life and the enduring substance found in faith and a relationship with God. For those seeking deeper understanding and spiritual nourishment, you can watch online as Beth Moore unpacks these profound truths.
Alt text: Beth Moore passionately delivering her sermon ‘Substance and Shadow’ to a captivated audience.
Moore begins by engaging her audience with a simple yet profound reminder: “Shadows cannot exist apart from life.” This opening statement sets the stage for understanding that shadows are dependent and insubstantial, while true life and substance are found elsewhere. She further emphasizes, “The strong human bent is to swap substance for shadow,” highlighting our tendency to chase after fleeting pleasures and superficialities instead of the lasting fulfillment offered by faith.
To illustrate this point, Moore shares a heartwarming anecdote about her grandson. Recalling a moment when her son-in-law lovingly affirmed her young grandson, speaking words of faith and encouragement over him, she contrasts this with the child’s simple request for “juice.” This charming story poignantly captures the human condition – often, even when presented with profound truths and spiritual nourishment, our immediate desires for the trivial can distract us from what truly matters. Moore encourages listeners to shift their focus from the “juice” of temporary satisfaction to the true substance, which is a deep and abiding relationship with God.
Referencing Colossians 2:16-17, Moore draws a direct link between the Old Testament practices and the concept of shadows and substance. The dietary laws, festivals, new moon celebrations, and Sabbath days, she explains, were “a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ.” This scripture emphasizes that these observances were symbolic pointers towards the ultimate reality, which is found in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the pursuit of faith should not be about clinging to the shadows of rituals and rules alone, but about grasping the substance – Christ himself.
Moore then turns to Psalm 91, a passage often sought for comfort and reassurance, especially during times of fear and uncertainty. She recounts personal experiences of finding solace in these verses when feeling vulnerable, particularly when alone at home after watching a scary movie. Verses 1-4 of Psalm 91 paint a vivid picture of refuge and protection: “The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust, he himself will rescue you… He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings.”
While acknowledging the popular interpretation of this passage as a promise of immunity from all harm, Moore offers a nuanced perspective. She poses the question, “What exactly does immunity mean?” Drawing from real-life experiences, she points out that even those deeply devoted to their faith still face hardships, illnesses, and tragedies. Therefore, the “shadow of the Almighty” is not necessarily a guarantee of physical protection from all suffering.
Instead, Moore suggests that dwelling in God’s shadow offers a different kind of immunity – an immunity to the devastating conclusion that we are unloved or forsaken by God amidst our trials. This deeper understanding of refuge is not about escaping pain, but about experiencing unshakable love and presence of God even in the midst of it. She connects this idea to John 15, where Jesus urges his followers to “abide in my love.” This abiding love, Moore clarifies, is the true refuge, the substance that remains constant even when shadows of hardship fall upon us. It is the assurance that “no matter what happens, the thing that we know are absolute unshakeable is that we are loved by God.”
Moore further expands on the concept of substance by contrasting it with “shadow heads” – the religious trappings and practices we might mistakenly elevate to the place of true substance. Drawing again from Colossians 2, she cautions against being misled by ascetic practices or empty notions, emphasizing the importance of remaining connected to the “head,” which is Christ. She argues that when we choose shadows to be our head, detaching ourselves from Christ, our spiritual growth will be unsustainable and not rooted in divine nourishment.
Using the metaphor of pruning from John 15, Moore explains that true spiritual growth, guided by the substance of Christ, often looks like shrinking or being cut back. This challenging perspective suggests that God may allow trials and difficulties in our lives to prune away the superficial and allow deeper, more authentic growth to occur. She acknowledges the difficult times many face, the weariness and disillusionment, and the temptation to give up. However, she encourages listeners to trust God even when circumstances seem bleak, suggesting that true faithfulness involves trusting in God’s plan even if it leads to unexpected and perhaps smaller outcomes in worldly terms.
Moore concludes by highlighting the dual nature of God as both “substance and light,” and emphasizing that “our refuge is in the shadow of the one who is both substance and light.” This powerful statement encapsulates the core message – true refuge and lasting fulfillment are found in the God who is the ultimate substance, the source of all reality and truth, and the illuminating light that guides us through the shadows of life.
Turning to Psalm 57, Moore further explores the imagery of refuge, focusing on the “shadow of your wings.” Verses 1-3 express a heartfelt plea for grace and refuge: “Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes.” This imagery evokes a sense of warmth, protection, and intimate closeness, like a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings. Moore connects this to the comforting feeling of holding a child or grandchild, finding solace and security in that warm embrace.
Finally, Moore draws attention to Psalm 57:7: “My heart is confident, God, my heart is confident.” This verse, she explains, encapsulates the assurance and courage that comes from finding refuge in God. Even in the face of metaphorical “lions” and “shadows,” the psalmist declares unwavering confidence. Moore connects this to the image of David, the shepherd-psalmist, writing these words in the darkness, relying on his relationship with God for strength and inspiration. She beautifully illustrates David’s desire to awaken the dawn with praise, starting the day in communion with God.
In conclusion, Beth Moore’s sermon “Substance and Shadow” offers a profound exploration of faith, refuge, and the pursuit of true substance in a world often dominated by fleeting shadows. By encouraging viewers to watch online, Moore invites a wider audience to discover these timeless truths and find lasting spiritual nourishment in a relationship with God, the ultimate substance and light. This sermon serves as a powerful reminder to seek beyond the superficial and embrace the enduring reality of faith.
