DARKNESS DIVINE: GOD’S SHADOWS REVEALED!

“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1:5, KJV)

ABSTRACT

AWAKENING SHADOWS: SOVEREIGNTY UNVEILED!

The biblical concept of God’s darkness demonstrates His sovereignty, justice, and mercy, especially evident in the ninth plague on Egypt. It challenges idolatry, encourages repentance, and provides opportunities for redemption, guiding humanity toward spiritual growth and transformation. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. God creates darkness as a tool for judgment and mercy, as Isaiah 45:7 declares, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” Clouds and darkness surround Him, yet righteousness and judgment form the foundation of His throne, according to Psalm 97:2, “Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” God employs darkness to reveal His power and draw souls to repentance. Sr. White explains that “In every trial, if we seek Him, Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be opened to discern the healing promises recorded in His word. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to appropriate every blessing that will be an antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is placed to our lips, we shall find a branch of healing” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 273, 1905). Furthermore, Sr. White affirms, “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 10, 1896). This duality reminds us that God’s darkness serves a redemptive purpose. But how does this darkness manifest in biblical events like the plagues on Egypt?

EGYPT’S ECLIPSE: CHALLENGE TO IDOLS!

One significant instance of God’s darkness is the ninth plague in Egypt, which symbolized a direct challenge to the sun god Ra, revered as the deity of life and light. Exodus 10:21-23 recounts, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt… And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.” This plague was not merely an environmental phenomenon; it was a manifestation of God’s sovereignty over creation and a challenge to the Egyptians’ idolatry. As stated in Patriarchs and Prophets (p. 272), “The ninth plague, the darkness that overspread the land of Egypt, was a direct challenge to the worship of the sun god Ra, one of Egypt’s most revered deities.” By enveloping the land in oppressive darkness, God demonstrated His ultimate control over light and life, undermining the Egyptians’ confidence in their idols. He sent darkness upon Egypt, making it dark as described in Psalm 105:28, “He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.” The people look to the earth and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish, as Isaiah 8:22 states, “And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.” Sr. White further supports this by asserting that “God’s judgments are designed to teach His people that He alone is to be feared and obeyed” (Prophets and Kings, p. 435). Sr. White also notes, “The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 62, 1889). Additionally, Sr. White writes, “God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). This event underscores God’s intention to confront false worship. But what role does this darkness play in fostering reflection among His people?

REPENTANCE RAYS: DARKNESS FOR REFLECTION!

The plague of darkness also highlighted the Israelites’ need for reflection and repentance. Pharaoh’s resistance to God’s commands allowed the Egyptians and Israelites to consider their spiritual condition. As noted in Patriarchs and Prophets (pp. 271–272), “He would give the people time for reflection and repentance before bringing upon them the last and most terrible of the plagues.” This theme of reflection is echoed in Genesis 1:2, where darkness preceded God’s act of creation. The Hebrew term “Choshek” signifies judgment and sorrow but also sets the stage for divine intervention. Just as God separated light from darkness in creation, He uses moments of darkness to distinguish righteousness from wickedness, prompting humanity to turn toward Him. A day of darkness and gloominess approaches, as Joel 2:2 warns, “A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” That day is one of wrath and distress, a day of darkness and gloominess, according to Zephaniah 1:15, “That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness.” Sr. White elaborates on this theme, stating, “Through the darkest hours, God’s light shines brightest for those who seek Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 103). Sr. White further illustrates, “The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 62, 1889). Moreover, Sr. White observes, “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 10, 1896). This period invites introspection and renewal. But how does God’s darkness extend to mercy and sustaining power?

MERCY’S MANTLE: BEYOND JUDGMENT’S VEIL!

God’s control over darkness extends beyond judgment, including His mercy and sustaining power. As Education (p. 100) noted, “Upon all created things is seen the impress of the Deity. Nature testifies of God… Not by its own inherent energy does the earth produce its bounties, and year by year continue its motion around the sun.” The darkness that “may be felt” (Exodus 10:21) reflects both the weight of judgment and the opportunity for redemption. Even in times of despair, God’s presence offers hope. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, as Isaiah 9:2 proclaims, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” When we sit in darkness, the Lord becomes our light, according to Micah 7:8, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” As The Desire of Ages (p. 353) affirms, “In every trial, if we seek Him, Christ will reveal Himself to us. He will lighten the darkness and give us hope and courage.” Additionally, Sr. White asserts, “The trials of life are God’s workmen to remove the impurities and roughness from our character” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 471). Sr. White also shares, “The Lord designs to warn you, to reprove, to counsel, through the testimonies given, and to impress your minds with the importance of the truth of His word” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 62, 1889). Furthermore, Sr. White emphasizes, “In every trial, if we seek Him, Christ will give us help. Our eyes will be opened to discern the healing promises recorded in His word. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to appropriate every blessing that will be an antidote to grief. For every bitter draft that is placed to our lips, we shall find a branch of healing” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 273, 1905). This duality of judgment and mercy underscores God’s intention to guide humanity toward repentance and restoration. But what ultimate revelation does God’s darkness bring about His love?

REDEMPTION’S DAWN: LOVE THROUGH SHADOWS!

Ultimately, God’s darkness reveals His love and redemptive purpose. In The Great Controversy (p. 36), it is written, “In love, He stayed the hand of judgment and allowed men to see His mercy and long-suffering.” Through the darkness of the ninth plague, the Israelites witnessed God’s power over creation and His faithfulness to His covenant. Similarly, Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” By embracing God’s light, individuals can overcome sin’s oppressive weight and experience His love’s transformative power. The light shines in darkness, yet the darkness comprehends it not, as John 1:5 states, “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” God delivers us from the power of darkness into His kingdom, according to Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Sr. White reinforces this by stating, “The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, growing brighter and brighter unto the perfect day” (The Desire of Ages, p. 313). Sr. White further explains, “God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of living water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing” (Steps to Christ, p. 77, 1892). Additionally, Sr. White notes, “It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 75, 1896). This reveals the profound mercy in divine shadows. But how do these concepts reflect God’s love in guiding us?

LOVE’S LEGACY: GUIDANCE IN GLOOM!

The concepts of God’s darkness reflect His love by revealing His commitment to guiding humanity toward redemption, even through judgment. Sr. White emphasizes this balance of justice and mercy: “Even in judgments, God’s purpose is to save, not destroy. His discipline comes with mercy to lead souls to Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 277). Through trials and moments of darkness, God demonstrates His enduring love by drawing individuals closer to Him and providing opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. God enlightens our darkness, as Psalm 18:28 declares, “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” God is light, with no darkness in Him, according to 1 John 1:5, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Sr. White shares, “Grace is an attribute of God shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it, but it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow this grace upon every one who hungers for it. To every one He presents terms of mercy, not because we are worthy, but because we are so utterly unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we shall receive this gift” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 10, 1973). Moreover, Sr. White writes, “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing” (Our Father Cares, p. 19, 1991). This love calls for our response. But what responsibilities do we owe to God in light of His love?

In response to God’s love, we owe Him complete devotion and obedience. Our responsibilities to God include seeking Him earnestly, trusting in His guidance, and reflecting His character in our lives. As Steps to Christ (p. 72) states, “We are to acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.” This includes embracing His light during moments of darkness and remaining faithful even when His purposes are not immediately clear. We love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and might, as Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Saints love the Lord, for He preserves the faithful, according to Psalm 31:23, “O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.” Sr. White states, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). Sr. White further notes, “God’s promises are all on condition of humble obedience” (Evangelism, p. 254, 1946). This devotion strengthens our bond with Him. But how does this extend to our duty toward others?

Similarly, we have a responsibility to our neighbors, as demonstrated by God’s call for compassion and outreach. Sr. White challenges us to act: “Shall we let our neighbors remain in darkness without a preparation for the future life?” (Review and Herald, May 24, 1906). This obligation requires sharing God’s truth, offering support in times of need, and reflecting His love in our interactions. By fulfilling these responsibilities, we honor God’s sovereignty and extend His mercy to others. Our light shines before men to glorify our Father, as Matthew 5:16 instructs, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Pure religion involves visiting the fatherless and widows, according to James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Sr. White emphasizes, “The spirit of Christ is a missionary spirit. The very first impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour” (Gospel Workers, p. 27, 1915). Sr. White also affirms, “The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415, 1900). This outreach fulfills our communal duty. But what profound manifestation does God’s darkness ultimately serve?

FINAL FLAME: SOVEREIGNTY’S SUMMIT!

God’s darkness serves as a profound manifestation of His sovereignty, justice, and mercy. Through the ninth plague, He challenged idolatry, provided opportunities for reflection, and demonstrated His ultimate authority over light and life. These concepts reveal God’s love through His redemptive purposes, highlight our responsibility to honor Him, and emphasize our duty to serve others. In the words of Steps to Christ (p. 78), “The Lord is ever seeking to bring the soul into fellowship with Himself, that we may see His light in our darkness.”

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DARKNESS DIVINE: GOD’S SHADOWS REVEALED!

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