December 7. The Dark Valley
J.R. Miller reveals how Christ's profound darkness on the cross symbolizes the atoning sacrifice that brings believers from despair into divine light and peace.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound darkness that covered the earth during Christ's crucifixion, revealing its spiritual significance as a symbol of atonement and sacrifice. Miller contrasts Christ's experience of forsakenness with the hopeful faith of His disciples, encouraging believers to find peace and joy through Christ's suffering. This message invites listeners to embrace the light that follows the darkest valleys of life.
Text
"It was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour." Luke 23:44
It was a mysterious and supernatural darkness. We may say, and we can say no more — that it was nature sympathizing with the crucifixion of its Lord. How dense this darkness was, we cannot tell; but it must have filled the hearts of the multitude around the cross with awe.
There was also a still deeper darkness around the soul of Him who hung on that central cross. It was so dark, that He even seemed forsaken of God. We can never understand it, although we know that it was atoning for sin, which made the darkness. Jesus wrapped the glooms of death about Himself — that we might be clothed in garments of light! He died thus in darkness — that we might walk into the valley amid the splendors of heavenly light. He had agony in His last hour — that we might have joy. His head wore the crown of thorns, and had no place to rest in dying — that under our heads, might be the pillow of peace.
It is profitable for us to contrast the death of Christ — with that of His disciples in all ages since. He shrank from the "cup;" they are eager to drink it. He seemed forsaken of God; they look with ecstasy and unclouded vision into the Father\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Supernatural Darkness
- Darkness over the earth from sixth to ninth hour
- Nature sympathizing with Christ's crucifixion
- Awe inspired in witnesses around the cross
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II. The Deeper Darkness of Christ's Soul
- Christ seeming forsaken by God
- The mystery of atonement through darkness
- Jesus embracing death's gloom for our light
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III. Contrast with the Disciples' Experience
- Christ shrank from the cup of suffering
- Disciples eagerly embrace suffering
- From forsakenness to ecstasy in faith
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IV. The Resulting Hope for Believers
- Christ's agony brings us joy
- Crown of thorns replaced by peace
- Invitation to walk in heavenly light
Key Quotes
“It was a mysterious and supernatural darkness. We may say, and we can say no more — that it was nature sympathizing with the crucifixion of its Lord.” — J.R. Miller
“Jesus wrapped the glooms of death about Himself — that we might be clothed in garments of light!” — J.R. Miller
“He died thus in darkness — that we might walk into the valley amid the splendors of heavenly light.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Trust in Christ's sacrifice even when facing personal darkness or trials.
- Remember that Christ's suffering brings ultimate peace and joy to believers.
- Embrace suffering with faith, knowing it leads to spiritual growth and heavenly hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the darkness during Christ's crucifixion symbolize?
It symbolizes the supernatural and mysterious nature of Christ's atoning sacrifice and the sorrow of creation at His death.
Why did Christ experience a sense of forsakenness?
Christ bore the weight of sin and separation from God on the cross as part of the atonement for humanity's sins.
How do the disciples' experiences differ from Christ's?
While Christ shrank from suffering, His disciples have embraced it with faith and hope, seeing beyond the pain.
What is the ultimate hope offered through Christ's suffering?
Believers are invited to move from darkness into the splendor of heavenly light and peace through Christ's sacrifice.