Darkness

Jesse M. Kelley, Lafayette, Louisiana

Jer. 13:15,16

INTRODUCTION: Darkness is the absence of light. In is physical sense it is mentioned four times in the scriptures: At creation. One of the plagues sent on Egypt before, then during the Exodus. A part of the convulsions of nature attending the crucifixion.

Figuratively, the word is often used to express ignorance and sin and misery, and this is the sense in which Jeremiah is using the word in our text. "Hear ye, and give ear; give glory to God before he cause darkness." This says in effect, that there is what might be, called a "day of grace," after which darkness comes... Some ways in which darkness may be caused.

1. THE REMOVAL OF THE GOSPEL IS DARKNESS.
   1. The gospel will never be removed from the world, but it may be withdrawn from a particular place or people.
      1. The Jews an example. Because of unbelief they were "broken off." Rom. 11:20,21.
      2. Where now are the seven churches of Asia? The church at Rome ? Jerusalem? These were once mighty bulwarks of the faith.
   2. Today we have the gospel, then let us be not as the swine, who knows not the value of the pearl, and therefore tramples it under foot.
2. IMPENITENCE IS DARKNESS.
   1. A man may be surrounded by food, yet he dies, if he does not eat and digest it. Also true of the gospel.
      1. It is a fact that one sin is punished by another, and God blinds those who provoke him. Rom. 1:28; 2 Thess. 2:10-12.
      2. These of whom he speaks delight in error, and they find it; they seek objections to the faith once delivered, and they are overcome by them; they trifle with the gospel, and at length cannot seriously regard it. Thus is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah quoted by Christ. Matt. 13:14,15. Their impenitence brought darkness.
3. THE LOSS OF REASON IS DARKNESS.
   1. 1. Christianity can operate only through the medium of thought and reason.
      1. See Nebuchadnezzar eating grass like an ox. Dan. 4:33. God took his reason away.
      2. God gives over to a reprobate mind. Rom. 1:28. All ability to reason on spiritual things has been taken away.
      3. In the loss of such reason darkness settles down and God withdraws his presence. Matt. 23:37,38.
4. THE LOSS OF HEALTH IS DARKNESS.
   1. Solomon's advice. Eccl. 12:1.
      1. Whatever can be said of age in this respect can be said of health. 2 Cor. 6:2.
5. DEATH IS DARKNESS.
   1. Then one must give up employments, however interesting; his possessions however valued; his connections however endeared; and stripped and silent, retire to the grave.
   2. This darkness is certain; it cannot be remote. It is "appointed unto man to die." Therefore — John 9:4.
6. HELL IS DARKNESS.
   1. Hell is more than darkness; it is darkness without hope. Rich man of Luke.
      1. It is outer darkness; separation front God. Matt. 8:12; 22:18.
      2. It is a darkness of punishment. Matt. 22:18.
      3. It is darkness without opportunity. The present offers the only opportunities for escape. "Now is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time."