Diamonds & Darkness

Deep places do inspire deep devotion and the more distressed we are, the more we realize there is only one to whom we can appeal. We cry to God alone. Diamonds sparkle most amid the darkness.
Psa 130:1 From the depths of my despair I call to you, LORD.

The verb “depths” means to be profoundly deep, as unsearchable depths like the ocean or a pit. It is only used in the following places: Psa_69:2, Psa_69:14, where it is applied to waters; and Isa_51:10; Eze_27:34, and to deep affliction and distress.

Maybe you have been plunged into these deep waters and tasted the depths of this sorrow. And you too, like the psalmist made that gut-wrenching scream, “Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help!” (Psalms 130:2)

Deep places so inspire deep devotion and the depths of earnestness are stirred by depths of trouble and tribulation. The more distressed we are, the more excellent our faith which trusts bravely in the Lord, and therefore appeals to him, and to him alone. Diamonds sparkle most amid the darkness.

The bible has a lot to say about darkness and light. These opposites were never so apparent as in the death and resurrection of Christ. To His followers, the crucifixion was the darkest day in history and His resurrection was the brightest.

In Luke 23: 44-46 it tells us that while Christ hung on the cross a supernatural darkness swallowed the region for 3 hours. A Roman historian, Phlegon, who was also an astronomer, wrote that in the 14th year of Tiberius, the greatest eclipse of the sun occurred. The day became so dark that stars appeared.

What was the significance of this darkness?
During a bright and shining clear day – we think, all is well. Our mood on a sunny day is pleasant and hopeful. All seems safe, sure, and well settled. But with darkness – we start thinking about our troubles and afflictions.

Another explanation for the darkness is that all of heaven grieved and in response the earth itself was plunged into darkness. But the true reason darkness fell upon the earth was because God’s full judgment for sin was placed on Christ. It was predicted . “The time is coming when I will make the sun go down at noon and the earth grow dark in daytime. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken.” Amos 8:9 tells us that it was a prediction of Gods judgment.

Christ, being God in the flesh (John 1: 14), holy and pure took our sin upon Himself to bring us back to God. 2 Cor 5: 21 says, He became sin who knew no sin and God unleashed his total wrath onto Christ.

And in His despair, Christ called out to God, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me? (Matthew 27: 46)

He knew that this was His time to suffer and said that this was “the power of darkness,” Luke 22:53.

Isaiah tells us Isaiah 53:4-5 that “he bore our grief’s and carried our sorrows; that he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities; that the punishment of our peace was laid upon him and that by his stripes we are healed.”

Christ, God in human flesh (John 1: 14) was made a curse for us (Galatians 3:13); He became our sacrifice, a sin-offering (2 Corinthians 5:21) by receiving our sin upon Himself and experiencing the full measure of God’s wrath, Gods intense hatred of sin and dying in our place so that He might bring us near to God. It was this sorrow, these unsearchable depths of despair and loss of which caused His intense sufferings. It was due to us, this misery for which He bore alone.

From the depths of my despair I call to you, LORD. Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help! And God turned away. “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani, “My God, my God, why did you abandon me?

Why?

Why would Christ do this?

It is simple. For love. Christ loved and braved, no He battled the full onslaught of the powers of darkness, unchained malice because He knew that only He, Christ alone, God in human flesh would be victorious.

And the people who live in darkness will see a great light. On those who live in the dark land of death the light will shine.” (Matthew 4: 16)

Diamonds sparkle most amid the darkness.