Moody Chasing His Shadow
The sermon emphasizes the importance of turning to the light of God and accepting His forgiveness in order to experience peace and joy.
D.L. Moody shares a personal childhood experience of chasing his shadow, illustrating how pursuing the light of God brings peace and joy, while turning away leads to darkness. He emphasizes that just as his shadow followed him when he faced the sun, the Son of Righteousness will accompany those who seek Him. Moody encourages listeners not to doubt God's forgiveness, asserting that it is their own will that prevents them from receiving it. The sermon calls for a turn towards God's light to experience His love and grace.
Text
When I was a little boy, I remember I tried to catch my shadow. I don't know if you were ever so foolish; but I remember running after it, and trying to get ahead of it. I could not see why the shadow always kept ahead of me. Once I happened to be racing with my face to the sun, and I looked over my head and saw my shadow coming back of me, and it kept behind me all the way. It is the same with the Son of Righteousness; peace and joy will go with you while you go with your face toward Him, and these people who are getting at the back of the sun are in darkness all the time. Turn to the light of God, and the reflection will flash in your heart. Don't say that God will not forgive you. It is only your will which keeps His forgiveness from you.
Sermon Outline
- The Futility of Chasing Shadows
- The Power of the Son of Righteousness
- Turning to the Light of God
- God's forgiveness is always available
- Our will is the only thing that keeps us from it
Key Quotes
“It is the same with the Son of Righteousness; peace and joy will go with you while you go with your face toward Him, and these people who are getting at the back of the sun are in darkness all the time.” — D.L. Moody
“Turn to the light of God, and the reflection will flash in your heart.” — D.L. Moody
“Don't say that God will not forgive you. It is only your will which keeps His forgiveness from you.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- We must turn to the light of God in order to experience His forgiveness and peace.
- Our own will is the only thing that keeps us from accepting God's forgiveness.
- Facing God's light with an open heart will bring us peace and joy.