The Divine Darkness... ? Part II
"...And the Light shines on in the darkness for the darkness has never overpowered it" John 1: 5 Amplified
"Wherefore, to the end that we may the better understand and explain what night is this through which the soul passes, and for what cause God sets it therein, it will be well here to touch first of all upon certain characteristics of beginners (which, although we treat them with all possible brevity, will not fail to be of service likewise to the beginners themselves), in order that, realizing the weakness of the state wherein they are, they may take courage, and may desire that God will bring them into this night, wherein the soul is strengthened and confirmed in the virtues, and made ready for the inestimable delights of the love of God. And, although we may tarry here for a time, it will not be for longer than is necessary, so that we may go on to speak at once of this dark night." (Saint John of the Cross).
Early Christian theologian and Christian Mystic, Saint John of the Cross, often preached about the misinterpreted, yet daunting journey to perfection in Christ, Jesus through seasons of darkness. He equated Jesus' wilderness and Gethsemane experiences as two of the "darkest nights of His soul," and that every Christian believer is called to his or her own, that they too might be used of God, even as Christ.
Why am I talking about darkness when God has "brought us out of darkness and into His marvelous light?" (1Peter 2:9), Because the darkness that this particular text is referring to, is the darkness of sin, in which we ourselves initiated through the yield of demonic or carnal temptations. This, God has delivered us from when we confessed our sins and asked Him to enter our hearts as our Lord and Savior, also petitioning for an "infillling" of His Spirit, that we might be enabled by His Spirit to live a life exemplary to that of Christ. This is not the darkness that I am referring to, nor was the Apostle Paul (or Saint John for that matter). No, the darkness that we are referring to is affixed to the "many afflictions of the righteous" which the Lord has promised to deliver them from. The darkness that I am referring to is affixed to Christ's charge to those desiring to follow Him [true followers who seek to follow Him in all things] to "take up their crosses and follow Him." But follow Him where? 1 Kings 8:12 says that "The Lord said that He would dwell in the thick darkness." Not the darkness caused by sin, but "Divine darkness" wherewith God brings us through for His divine will and purpose. Don't be fooled, this is not a permanent place, but a temporal mode of transition. Although it seems as though you are stagnant, your spirit is actually moving--closer towards the center of God's will as you journey through the darkness without complaint, without falter, without compromise, without dismay... So, be encouraged and remember that light shines in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate and just [those who are in right standing with God--the righteous] Psalm 112:4 Amplified. This darkness is for the Righteous!
"Wherefore, to the end that we may the better understand and explain what night is this through which the soul passes, and for what cause God sets it therein, it will be well here to touch first of all upon certain characteristics of beginners (which, although we treat them with all possible brevity, will not fail to be of service likewise to the beginners themselves), in order that, realizing the weakness of the state wherein they are, they may take courage, and may desire that God will bring them into this night, wherein the soul is strengthened and confirmed in the virtues, and made ready for the inestimable delights of the love of God. And, although we may tarry here for a time, it will not be for longer than is necessary, so that we may go on to speak at once of this dark night." (Saint John of the Cross).
Early Christian theologian and Christian Mystic, Saint John of the Cross, often preached about the misinterpreted, yet daunting journey to perfection in Christ, Jesus through seasons of darkness. He equated Jesus' wilderness and Gethsemane experiences as two of the "darkest nights of His soul," and that every Christian believer is called to his or her own, that they too might be used of God, even as Christ.
Why am I talking about darkness when God has "brought us out of darkness and into His marvelous light?" (1Peter 2:9), Because the darkness that this particular text is referring to, is the darkness of sin, in which we ourselves initiated through the yield of demonic or carnal temptations. This, God has delivered us from when we confessed our sins and asked Him to enter our hearts as our Lord and Savior, also petitioning for an "infillling" of His Spirit, that we might be enabled by His Spirit to live a life exemplary to that of Christ. This is not the darkness that I am referring to, nor was the Apostle Paul (or Saint John for that matter). No, the darkness that we are referring to is affixed to the "many afflictions of the righteous" which the Lord has promised to deliver them from. The darkness that I am referring to is affixed to Christ's charge to those desiring to follow Him [true followers who seek to follow Him in all things] to "take up their crosses and follow Him." But follow Him where? 1 Kings 8:12 says that "The Lord said that He would dwell in the thick darkness." Not the darkness caused by sin, but "Divine darkness" wherewith God brings us through for His divine will and purpose. Don't be fooled, this is not a permanent place, but a temporal mode of transition. Although it seems as though you are stagnant, your spirit is actually moving--closer towards the center of God's will as you journey through the darkness without complaint, without falter, without compromise, without dismay... So, be encouraged and remember that light shines in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate and just [those who are in right standing with God--the righteous] Psalm 112:4 Amplified. This darkness is for the Righteous!
Comment
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Comment by Veotis Bains on May 25, 2008 at 2:34am
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thank u for allowing the Lord to speak and bring understanding to the ones who have a ear to hear.
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