Overshadowed

Perception of Power

Power is seen in..

number of people (masses)

Influence

possessions

knowledge

finances

Our perception of power strongly influences our decisions and pursuits in life. We all make decisions that in someway give us more power.

The reality, is that despite any power we gain in life through our own pursuits, it will always have limits.

natural disasters

disease

death

Biblical portrayal of power is quiet different.

Biblical portrayal of Power

Gospel reference

Luke 1:35 NKJV

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

‘Overshadowed’

enveloped

cover from all sides

When you are enveloped or covered from all sides it doesn’t paint a picture of ‘power’....confusion, fear, helplessness are prevailing emotions

yet overshadowed is linked in with ‘power’ and more specifically God’s power. The experience of God’s power is tied into our lack of power.

In the Overshadowing process, something is accomplished beyond our human capacity or ability. (ie. a virginal conception of the Son of God)

Other references of overshadowed (few)

Matthew, Mark, & Luke: transfiguration

Luke 9:34 NKJV

34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.

Interestingly, there is another characteristic of the experience of God’s power that goes along with the confusion/powerlessness of being overshadowed

Luke 9:35 NASB95

35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!”

Obedience

Obedience becomes an accompanied characteristic of the experience of God’s Divine power

Exodus 40:34–37 NKJV

34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would go onward in all their journeys. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up.

Navigating the desert was beyond the capacity/ability of the Israelites who have been slaves for the last 400 years. There were not prepared for the wilderness.

Learning to navigate life while confused will challenge you to become obedient towards God. This is where/when power is received.

St. Paul and his thorn

2 Corinthians 12:8–9 NKJV

8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul learned this relationship through his ‘thorn’. He didn’t understand it, tried to get rid of it, and in turn embraced it and was afforded Power.

Life’s challenges will bring each of us to states of confusion in which any solution lines outside our ability. Its these situations, that we have the opportunity to be overshadowed with the Power of God. But we will need to learn to manage confusion through our obedience.

Disobedience/death v. Obedience/life

comparison between Eve (first virgin) and Mary (the last virgin). with Eve disobedience brought on humanity death. (beyond our control) Life was restored through Mary’s obedience

IRENEAUS: Mary’s Obedience Reverses Eve’s Disobedience

As the human race was subjected to death through the act of a virgin, so was it saved by a virgin was precisely balanced by the obedience of another.

Today’s remembrance of Mary’s obedience and the overshadowing power that comes through it, should help us reflect on our present day confusions. If we can highlight and obey one thing that God is making clear then we are on our way to being overshadowed by His power.