This is in part a continuation of earlier thoughts on "Dwelling in Thick Darkness" (see here.)
It may perhaps help to read it first.
I was rather overwhelmed with gratefulness at some comments, so much suffering, so often life IS simply overwhelming.
It may perhaps help to read it first.
I was rather overwhelmed with gratefulness at some comments, so much suffering, so often life IS simply overwhelming.
However there is a purpose in it all, it not all hopeless, without hope.
Thick darkness is all encompassing, and there is reason for this.
God sees what we cannot!
God sees what we cannot!
One thing I found interesting in the study of "thick darkness" that there is no reference to it in New Testament.
The Israelites especially of Moses time were familiar with this aspect of God. It was one of the Ten Plagues upon Egypt (three days of thick darkness upon Egypt, but not in Goshen where Israelites lived). Also in part it was how they simply saw God, initially following a pillar of cloud and fire as they wandered for forty years.
Then in Exodus 20:21 “And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”
Moses also went up into the thick darkness which surrounded the mount to talk with God, receiving the Ten Commandments etc.
This was a protection for the people.
No man could see God and live Moses was told; hence, at one time, God hid Moses in a rock so he only saw this back view of God.
No man could see God and live Moses was told; hence, at one time, God hid Moses in a rock so he only saw this back view of God.
That’s how it was in Old Testament, a limited view looking forward to the coming of the promised Messiah, the precious Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
How blessed we are!
We have the whole of scripture, we are able to meditate upon it, read it drink it in freely, without fear of man.
We are accountable for this blessing also, “unto whosoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” Luke 12:48
The New Testament the key reference to darkness, of which most of us would think, was the the three hours Christ hung upon the cross, from midday to 3pm.
(*Note: Jewish day begins 6am, hence 6th hour is 12 noon)
(*Note: Jewish day begins 6am, hence 6th hour is 12 noon)
It was mentioned in 3 of gospels, almost verbatim, which was most striking when I looked at that. Also that it was "over ALL the earth", all-encompassing just like the effects of sin!
The scene of darkness and desolation on this place of Golgotha, is simply indescribable.
Our Sin was put upon the holy righteous perfect Son of God, and a holy, loving Father could not look upon that sin.
Separation: First and only time in all of eternity.
As the hymn says:
“ it was for us He hung and suffered there”.
“ it was for us He hung and suffered there”.
The suffering of the Cross was there before in the garden.
“If it be possible let this cup pass from Me, but nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done”.
“If it be possible let this cup pass from Me, but nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done”.
Oh, for such submission in the midst of the thick darkness of our own overwhelming grief, all-consuming sorrows.
Yet God says:
“When I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Cor 12:10
This is so contradictory to what the old man thinks.
FOR....
Ye have need of patience..
Let us not be weary in well doing...
Let us not be weary in well doing...
Hebrews 10:35-37
"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."
Ahh! That will be glory for me.
Amen! Even so come, Lord Jesus!!! Hallelujah! Maranatha.
Lo! He cometh!
****
Lord bless you, dear ones.
These scriptures greatly blessed my heart, may it cheer yours greatly also.
They are good food to meditate thereon.
Praying for you,
Prayer hugs, 🙏🤗Shaz in Oz.x
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