“The power of the Highest will overshadow you.” —Luke 1:35
At a backyard memorial service and celebration of life, friends and family were sharing memories and honoring the father/grandfather who had passed away. As they were finishing, wiping away tears, a golden glow suddenly fell over the yard. Everyone looked up to see a spectacular rainbow surrounded by clouds overflowing with radiant light.
They couldn’t stop looking up at the rush of light streaming into the sky above them, like a golden bronze shadow.
One family member exclaimed, “It’s Jesus!”
It was as if the glory of the Lord overshadowed their celebration.
God does that.
The word overshadow is used in Scripture to describe the presence of God. It literally means to cast shade upon, to envelope in a haze of brilliancy, to invest a supernatural influence. 1
In the inner sanctuary of the temple in ancient Israel, “The cherubim spread their wings… and overshadowed the ark” (1 Kings 8:7).
The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).
When Jesus and His disciples climbed up a high mountain, Jesus was transfigured right before them. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!’” (Matthew 17:2-5, NIV).
God’s presence overshadowed them.
So also the heavenly Father desires to “overshadow” our lives, to surround us with His glorious presence, and fill us from the inside with glory, love, peace, and joy.
Notice what He said as He overshadowed the disciples. “Listen to Him!”
Listen, open your hearts to receive His Word and will for your lives, and experience the power of His presence.
1. Strong’s Concordance, ref. 1982
