Devoted to sharing the Word of God - in uplifting, informative and encouraging posts.
" It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63

Tuesday 27 August 2019

Dwelling in Thick Darkness (Cont'd) *** Contrariness of Weak = Strong

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.
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!
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.
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)
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”.
(sorry, some images not wholly appropriate but best rendition available)
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”.
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...
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

PS . If you haven’t I'd love it you to join as a wonderful encourager of this blog ...  link HERE.  Thank YOU to those who have done so already. It really encourages me to keep on.
If you'd like these posts in your inbox, you can add your email to email link option on side bar. If you're on a mobile device on which there is no sidebar, then scroll down and select "View Web Version" at very bottom of post. This will bring up sidebar and "follow by email" link. Thank YOU.

4 comments:

kiwimeskreations said...

Praise God for the darkness dispelled at Calvary, and the hope that now gives us, even in the darkest of situations. To know that the darkness has been overcome - Hallelujah
Blessings
Maxine

Conniecrafter said...

It is so good to know when we are walking through the darkest of times that he is there with us, and when we are with him in heaven there will be no more darkness

Cheryl said...

I have often pondered the thick darkness, also. You offered some good thoughts about it, sis. Thank you for this encouragement and edification. Much love to you.

Betsy said...

Thank you for the time and love you put into this post my dear sister. The darkness does seem to be all-encompassing at times, but God truly does give us a way does't He.
Ever since I received my pacemaker and "died" for almost a minute, my fear of death is gone. The darkness that is of this earth will pass aways and we will dwell in the light forever.
Thank you so much for this post my dear Shaz.
Blessings,
Betsy