The Story the Darkness Tells
The Story the Darkness Tells
Daily Reflection: Mark 13:24-26 - 12/3/2023
24 "But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. — Mark 13:24-26
Scientists suggest that the human eye can detect a flickering candle light from 1.6 miles away. But this can only be accomplished in the darkness. For when it is darkest, light becomes more apparent.
This is how it will be when Jesus returns. Darkness will fill the entire land; “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”
The sun is the source of light. Without it the moon, which only reflects the light from the sun, is almost useless. The stars, on the other hand, were the points in the sky that people used to make their way around; they were their version of GPS.
The picture is bleak: no light, no direction. Complete and utter lostness and hopelessness. The darkness is winning.
At the end of True Detective, the main characters are having a conversation about how one of them — Rust — used to make up stories about the sky. Rust grew up in Alaska, and there wasn’t much to do, so he would stare in the sky and make up stories of what his view meant.
The other detective — Marty — asked what kind of stories he would tell, and here was the exchange:
“Light versus dark,” said Rust.
“Well,” said Marty, “I know we ain’t in Alaska, but it appears to me that the dark has a lot more territory.” He said this as he looked into the dark sky.
“Yeah, you’re right about that,” said Rust. Then, he continued, “You’re looking at it wrong, the sky thing.”
“How’s that?” asked Marty.
Rust, focusing on the stars punching holes in the dark sky, said, “Well, once there was only dark. You ask me, the light’s winning.”
When the darkness finally seems to have won, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” Therefore, do not let the darkness lead you to despair; let it provoke you to greater faithfulness and watchfulness. Let it remind you that the true Light that has come into the world is once again coming soon.
Heavenly Father, it is said of you that, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” We live in a world that is full of darkness, and it tempts us to despair. Grant that we, with our eyes fixed on you, might not give in to despair, but hope. Enable us to wait faithfully, and as we do so, let your light shine through us, as we anticipate your second Advent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
