WHEN DARKNESS REIGNS
The very fact that we prefer comfort and rejoicing to suffering and pain shows that we are meant for the former rather than the latter. The fact that we prefer light to darkness shows we are meant for light rather than the darkness. Yet, there are times when the darkness reigns. When Jesus was arrested prior to his crucifixion, he addresses the group that came for him,
“…..this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” (Luke 22:53)
Even though Jesus rules and is exalted forever, even though nothing in this world happens without his consent, even though everything in this world and beyond originates from and flows toward him, there are times when darkness reigns. God does not have to allow it, but still does. God takes no pleasure in it and shares the pain of the world that wallows in suffering, but still allows moments when the powers behind the darkness have the upper hand. When Jesus was arrested, a disciple takes a sword and cuts off the ear of one of the prison guard. Jesus rebukes his disciple and tells him that he could call down hordes of spiritual forces to aid him, but he chooses not to and submits to the arrest so that the word of God and the will of God might be fulfilled.
It is important to recognize that even though a believer reigns with Jesus and has access to the spiritual resources that are at his disposal, there are moments when darkness reigns. Suffering and pain ensue, persecution arises and Christ’s cause appears to be on the decline. A disciple cannot lose heart in such moments but cling to faith in the sufficiency and wisdom of God. Answers are sought, prayers are offered fervently and pain is endured, but clarity and relief are often hard to find. Holding on to God in the darkness of faith is all one can do and patiently wait for the clouds to pass.
And the clouds will eventually pass. Just as all hope appeared to be lost when Jesus was crucified and when a gut-wrenching darkness appeared to engulf all of humanity, he rose from the grave to bring not just the removal of darkness but light in greater brightness as salvation shone through. It is then that darkness is justified, because it served a purpose- the one of ushering in a greater light. Suffering and darkness have a way of working within us to bring maturity.
At times, darkness appears to swallow a person till the very end as we read of the author of Hebrews talk of those who in faith, were persecuted, suffered and died, often in heinous fashion for their beliefs (Hebrews 11). He goes on say, ‘the world was not worthy of them’. The last chapter of our lives is written not here but in eternity, where all that will matter is one’s faith in Christ. It is then that we find ourselves in a world where in the presence of the true Light, there would be no darkness at all.
And then we will realize, that the oppressive reign of darkness was but transient.
