Today I was drawn to study a subject which often thrills and intrigues me while also leaving my brain a bit bruised. I refer to the subject I might coin as "science meets theology" and my favorite scientific discipline to explore with regard to it's relationship to God is Physics. Oh, please don't get any strange idea that I am gifted in the area of Physics or even understand much, because my "D" in college Physics 101, decades ago will attest to my futility, if not my folly. Any way I hope to share a few things both theologically and scientifically concerning the entity we call "darkness."
This copied excerpt from an old file speaks profoundly if not mysteriously to "darkness" in the realm of our physical world.
"Is God playing "hide and seek". Scientists estimate that 90 to 99 percent of the total mass of the universe is missing matter. Actually, "missing matter" may be misleading--it's really the light that is missing. Scientists can tell that the dark matter is there, but they cannot see it. Bruce H.
This copied excerpt from an old file speaks profoundly if not mysteriously to "darkness" in the realm of our physical world.
"Is God playing "hide and seek". Scientists estimate that 90 to 99 percent of the total mass of the universe is missing matter. Actually, "missing matter" may be misleading--it's really the light that is missing. Scientists can tell that the dark matter is there, but they cannot see it. Bruce H.
Margon, chairman of the astronomy department at the University of Washington, told the New York Times, "It's a fairly embarrassing situation to admit that we can't find 90 percent of the universe" This problem has scientists scrambling to try and find where and what this dark matter is. "What it is, is any body's guess," adds Dr. Margon. "Mother Nature is having a double laugh. She's hidden most of the matter in the universe, and hidden it in a form that can't be seen"
About 22% is thought to be composed of dark matter. The remaining 74% is thought to consist of dark energy, an even stranger component. It has been noted that the names "dark matter" and "dark energy" serve mainly as expressions of our ignorance ......" (C. Miller)
If you don't know already, there is a Biblical segue from the physical to the spiritual and it is succinctly expressed within this verse from Romans.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; Rom 1:20
So let us now transition from our short foray into Physics and now visit the realm of Theology and see if we can't find some characteristics of "darkness" with regards to God and also possibly gain some encouragement for those of you that possibly dwell today in a "dark and trying" place. As we will see, in the spiritual realm, "darkness" is certainly no less mysterious than what we find with regard to it's physical counterpart.
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, "Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."
About 22% is thought to be composed of dark matter. The remaining 74% is thought to consist of dark energy, an even stranger component. It has been noted that the names "dark matter" and "dark energy" serve mainly as expressions of our ignorance ......" (C. Miller)
If you don't know already, there is a Biblical segue from the physical to the spiritual and it is succinctly expressed within this verse from Romans.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; Rom 1:20
So let us now transition from our short foray into Physics and now visit the realm of Theology and see if we can't find some characteristics of "darkness" with regards to God and also possibly gain some encouragement for those of you that possibly dwell today in a "dark and trying" place. As we will see, in the spiritual realm, "darkness" is certainly no less mysterious than what we find with regard to it's physical counterpart.
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, "Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die."
And Moses said unto the people, "Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not."
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21
A Word of Encouragement
If you have been called of God in this age to see and know Him through the grace of Jesus Christ you will learn, and more than likely have already learned well enough that, "God dwells and hides Himself in "darkness." Most of Christendom will, like the children of Israel depicted in the scriptures above, be content to remain afar off from God rather than meet Him in the darkness. However with God's aionian election, there are those that have been given an absolute referendum of which there is no going back on. These chosen of God have suffered and gained supernal knowledge by the action of God's hand drawing them into the darkness from which God reveals Himself to but a select remnant separated from each generation. These are the His sons that follow in Christ's footsteps becoming God's continual offering for a suffering and fallen world.
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. Job 19:8
For those of you that might understand that which I have just shared, allow me to address you further on a more personally note with the rest of my message. Surely, of all God's children it is those that suffer with Christ, that hold the very deepest and dearest place within my own heart. For I know with a surity, it is by the sacrifices of God's servant son's that this groaning world will be healed and delivered. This deliverance is the "greater works" promised by Christ two millennia ago and I so believe we are standing at the edge of time when these promised works will soon be manifest. Surely the world cannot suffer it's chaotic and destitute condition much more, before God's sons will be unveiled to bring forth healing and peace.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21
A Word of Encouragement
If you have been called of God in this age to see and know Him through the grace of Jesus Christ you will learn, and more than likely have already learned well enough that, "God dwells and hides Himself in "darkness." Most of Christendom will, like the children of Israel depicted in the scriptures above, be content to remain afar off from God rather than meet Him in the darkness. However with God's aionian election, there are those that have been given an absolute referendum of which there is no going back on. These chosen of God have suffered and gained supernal knowledge by the action of God's hand drawing them into the darkness from which God reveals Himself to but a select remnant separated from each generation. These are the His sons that follow in Christ's footsteps becoming God's continual offering for a suffering and fallen world.
He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. Job 19:8
For those of you that might understand that which I have just shared, allow me to address you further on a more personally note with the rest of my message. Surely, of all God's children it is those that suffer with Christ, that hold the very deepest and dearest place within my own heart. For I know with a surity, it is by the sacrifices of God's servant son's that this groaning world will be healed and delivered. This deliverance is the "greater works" promised by Christ two millennia ago and I so believe we are standing at the edge of time when these promised works will soon be manifest. Surely the world cannot suffer it's chaotic and destitute condition much more, before God's sons will be unveiled to bring forth healing and peace.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. Jn 14:12
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Rom 8:18-23
You, who have heard the call like Moses, must approach and even welcome the "thick darkness" knowing that in such, the Light of God will be seen and realized in it's greatest measure. You have been grouped with a special and peculiar people, held closest to the Father's bosom. The beckoning call of the Son's voice to follow Him and venture forth into the "darkness", which is but another name for "the death of self" is irrefutable and without recourse. In this following of Christ with abandon, you are being changed into His very image while emanating His Light and Life, which this pained world groans and searches for. This is the reality and if you are walking in the Light of Christ, I am sure you have noticed that others see and react to you differently. This is the very meaning ,message and experience of Christianity but how few know it, much less walk in it. May the Light of Christ' countenance emanate from your heart and radiate from your very face that others will note that you have ventured forth without fear to meet God and bring back His gift of Life and Healing for their fallen and broken world.
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: Exd 34:35
In closing I should leave you with one of my favorite messages by Lettie Cowman. It is a word of encouragement for all, because surely we all shall at one time or another experience some dark places in this world. I pray that with any trial or tribulation, you will learn as I have, that God's Light and Love shines brightest within His "secret place and pavilion" called "darkness." (Psalm 18:11)
Jack
"Treasures in the Darkness" by Lettie Cowman
"Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (Exod. 20:21).
God has still His hidden secrets, hidden from the wise and prudent. Do not fear them; be content to accept things that you cannot understand; wait patiently. Presently He will reveal to you the treasures of darkness, the riches of the glory of the mystery. Mystery is only the veil of God's face.
Do not be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life. God is in it. The other side is radiant with His glory. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is nigh. He is in the dark cloud. Plunge into the blackness of its darkness without flinching; under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion you will find God awaiting you.
"Hast thou a cloud?
Something that is dark and full of dread;
A messenger of tempest overhead?
A something that is darkening the sky;
A something growing darker bye and bye;
A something that thou fear'st will burst at last;
A cloud that doth a deep, long shadow cast,
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
It is Jehovah's triumph car: in this
He rideth to thee, o'er the wide abyss.
It is the robe in which He wraps His form;
For He doth gird Him with the flashing storm.
It is the veil in which He hides the light
Of His fair face, too dazzling for thy sight.
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A trial that is terrible to thee?
A black temptation threatening to see?
A loss of some dear one long thine own?
A mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?
A mystery that unsubstantial seems:
A cloud between thee and the sun's bright beams?
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A sickness--weak old age--distress and death?
These clouds will scatter at thy last faint breath.
Fear not the clouds that hover o'er thy barque,
Making the harbour's entrance dire and dark;
The cloud of death, though misty, chill and cold,
Will yet grow radiant with a fringe of gold.
GOD cometh in that cloud."
As Dr. Cowman stood on a high peak of the Rocky Mountains watching a storm raging below him, an eagle came up through the clouds, and soared away towards the sun and the water upon him glistened in the sunlight like diamonds. Had it not been for the storm he might have remained in the valley. The sorrows of life cause us to rise towards God.
You, who have heard the call like Moses, must approach and even welcome the "thick darkness" knowing that in such, the Light of God will be seen and realized in it's greatest measure. You have been grouped with a special and peculiar people, held closest to the Father's bosom. The beckoning call of the Son's voice to follow Him and venture forth into the "darkness", which is but another name for "the death of self" is irrefutable and without recourse. In this following of Christ with abandon, you are being changed into His very image while emanating His Light and Life, which this pained world groans and searches for. This is the reality and if you are walking in the Light of Christ, I am sure you have noticed that others see and react to you differently. This is the very meaning ,message and experience of Christianity but how few know it, much less walk in it. May the Light of Christ' countenance emanate from your heart and radiate from your very face that others will note that you have ventured forth without fear to meet God and bring back His gift of Life and Healing for their fallen and broken world.
And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: Exd 34:35
In closing I should leave you with one of my favorite messages by Lettie Cowman. It is a word of encouragement for all, because surely we all shall at one time or another experience some dark places in this world. I pray that with any trial or tribulation, you will learn as I have, that God's Light and Love shines brightest within His "secret place and pavilion" called "darkness." (Psalm 18:11)
Jack
"Treasures in the Darkness" by Lettie Cowman
"Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (Exod. 20:21).
God has still His hidden secrets, hidden from the wise and prudent. Do not fear them; be content to accept things that you cannot understand; wait patiently. Presently He will reveal to you the treasures of darkness, the riches of the glory of the mystery. Mystery is only the veil of God's face.
Do not be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life. God is in it. The other side is radiant with His glory. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is nigh. He is in the dark cloud. Plunge into the blackness of its darkness without flinching; under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion you will find God awaiting you.
"Hast thou a cloud?
Something that is dark and full of dread;
A messenger of tempest overhead?
A something that is darkening the sky;
A something growing darker bye and bye;
A something that thou fear'st will burst at last;
A cloud that doth a deep, long shadow cast,
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
It is Jehovah's triumph car: in this
He rideth to thee, o'er the wide abyss.
It is the robe in which He wraps His form;
For He doth gird Him with the flashing storm.
It is the veil in which He hides the light
Of His fair face, too dazzling for thy sight.
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A trial that is terrible to thee?
A black temptation threatening to see?
A loss of some dear one long thine own?
A mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?
A mystery that unsubstantial seems:
A cloud between thee and the sun's bright beams?
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A sickness--weak old age--distress and death?
These clouds will scatter at thy last faint breath.
Fear not the clouds that hover o'er thy barque,
Making the harbour's entrance dire and dark;
The cloud of death, though misty, chill and cold,
Will yet grow radiant with a fringe of gold.
GOD cometh in that cloud."
As Dr. Cowman stood on a high peak of the Rocky Mountains watching a storm raging below him, an eagle came up through the clouds, and soared away towards the sun and the water upon him glistened in the sunlight like diamonds. Had it not been for the storm he might have remained in the valley. The sorrows of life cause us to rise towards God.
.
