Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-019 Sunday 27 Jan 2002

Reading: PSALM 97 – THE DARKNESS OF GOD

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

If you have had any recent experience of dark clouds, this psalm is for you. Ask God to bring its message home to you.

It comes as a surprise to discover this psalm with its description of God as being surrounded with clouds and thick darkness (v 2). We are more used to a God who is pure light. But the darkness of God is a biblical image with its own distinctive message. Read, for instance, Exodus 20:21, which tells of the ‘thick darkness where God was’ at Sinai. It speaks of his unapproachable holiness and awesome majesty and is a visible reminder that no one dare intrude into his presence without due humility and sandal-less feet. From out of the darkness comes the flashing fire of his judgement that burns up all who boast in idols (v 7).

This is, of course, picture language drawn from the sight of many a terrifying thunderstorm, but it has its place in Scripture, representing the uncomfortable holiness of God. Light does come from him and is shed upon the righteous (v 11), but those who love the Lord have to learn to take evil seriously and to give it no room whatsoever (v 10).

All this is put in the context of the Lord reigning over the whole earth, near and far (v 1). No place is out of range of his dominion (v 9). These are sobering but also uplifting thoughts to take with us to our worship today, for his dazzling light illumines the darkness in which we all too often find ourselves. The final reassurance of God’s protective care over our lives (v 10) is not a guarantee that we shall be for ever immune to the trials and hardships of life. But we can rely on God to deliver us from evil, in accordance with our Lord’s prayer (Matt 6:13).

Pray today for anyone you know who is going through the shadowlands of suffering or of death.

– Bishop John B Taylor

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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