Darkness Upon Darkness

Last weekend, we attended an early Christmas concert. It was amazing. One line from one song caught my attention: Darkness Upon Darkness. I never thought about the idea that it can be MORE than dark. True darkness is already complete. Years ago, we took a tour of Mamouth Cave in Southern Kentucky. Deep within the cavern the lights were turned off and we experienced COMPLETE darkness. Our eyes didn't adjust; we could see nothing. As a claustrophobic, the darkness was overwhelming, even oppressive.

So my mind has been turning over the idea of Darkness upon Darkness. Without Christ, the world was in Darkness, a Darkness that would have remained through history without Him. What kinds of Darkness:

1. Obviously, the world was in spiritual Darkness. Sin had separated them from God and the Darkness was SO great that only the Light of Christ could penetrate it.

2. The world was in religious Darkness. Obedience to rules and regulations had again separated those who worshipped God from the One they worshipped. They couldn't get past the rules to come into His presence.

3. The world was in Darkness because it was without the Light of Christ. The Darkness was truly the absence of Light.

Samson is a good example of one placed in Darkness. He was in physical Darkness after his eyes were put out. He was in spiritual Darkness for the choices he had made. He had one request of God––to give him the opportunity to do what he had been called to do before he died. Samson understood why he was in complete Darkness––Darkness upon Darkness.

As the Christmas season begins and we celebrate the Light that comes to the world only through Christ, may we all be aware of the Darkness that surrounds us and the Light Christ brings to us!

Margie Williamson

Community Manager

I've been in many caves and it's so true! It's unlike any other kind of darkness on earth. Yet, when I was caving (spelunking) with my youth group in High School, my pastor had us all turn our flashlights off. Then he lit a candle. The darker the darkness - the brighter even a tiny light can be! Only a tiny candle flame became blinding as our eyes weren't prepared for it. But even when we adapted to the candle it was still incredibly bright. I can't even imagine what the glory of God would be like when it chases the "darkness upon the darkness" out of eternity. It's interesting that in the new heaven and earth there will be no darkness at all - only light all the time. Interesting and thoughtful post! Thank you!

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Comments

Margie Williamson December 24, 2010 8:40

Becky, I love that picture of the candle in the darkness. Thanks for your comments. The idea of "darkness upon darkness" gives me alot to continue to chew on!
Becky December 24, 2010 0:43

I've been in many caves and it's so true! It's unlike any other kind of darkness on earth. Yet, when I was caving (spelunking) with my youth group in High School, my pastor had us all turn our flashlights off. Then he lit a candle. The darker the darkness - the brighter even a tiny light can be! Only a tiny candle flame became blinding as our eyes weren't prepared for it. But even when we adapted to the candle it was still incredibly bright. I can't even imagine what the glory of God would be like when it chases the "darkness upon the darkness" out of eternity. It's interesting that in the new heaven and earth there will be no darkness at all - only light all the time. Interesting and thoughtful post! Thank you!
Ronald M. Furgerson December 9, 2010 12:40

Thanks for the follow-up comments on your posting. I know what you mean regarding when they turn the lights out at Mammoth Cave. I've been there, done that. It is like darkness on steroids! When I think of dark now I think of what it must have been like at the time of creation -- before which there was no light, no time, no anything to compare with no anything else. We can't even start to comprehend it. What is an infinity of darkness? I guess the "Darkness Upon Darkness" describes it about as well as anything.
Margie Williamson December 9, 2010 12:00

Thanks, Ron. I have to admit that those words so resonated with me that I couldn't totally hear the rest of the concert. I love the way God allows His words to percolate in us to help us see Him and His involvement with us in a new light.

I spend most of my time editing and writing Bible studies, so I love the way that God knits them all together for me (Genesis and Romans and Ephesians and Revelation and Acts so far this month) in a way to help me understand even a little better what is His incomprehensible plan for us. He's amazing!
Ronald M. Furgerson December 9, 2010 11:41

I wish I could attribute my terrible proofreading skills to my eyes. Trouble is the eyes work better than the brain. Again, "Darkness Upon Darkness," is a great Blog posting.
Margie Williamson December 9, 2010 11:36

If only my eyes could read accurately what my heart means! Absolutely. Thanks for letting me know. I'll fix it. I do have to go see my eye doctor. I'll blame it on my glasses!
Ronald M. Furgerson December 9, 2010 10:33

Margie -- Regarding the statement in your second paragraph: "Without Christ, the world was in Darkness, a Darkness that would have remained through history with Him," did you mean to say "...would have remained 'without' Him?" Just curious. My brain doesn't always work so well. Anyway, I love your devo-Blog. Ron

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