And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour (Mk. 15:33).
Darkness is often associated with judgment in the Bible.
So it’s fitting that the world was darkened while Jesus was crucified.
Since in His death the judgment due to us was poured on Him.
It’s as if God reversed the light He brought at creation and said ‘Let there be darkness.’
But this display of darkness was temporary.
Because through the death of His Son, God was actually reversing the chaos and darkness caused by sin.
It was the beginning of renewal that humanity and the whole world needs.
And this ought to set the tone for how we approach Good Friday.
It’s a solemn day.
But it’s also a day that marks God’s emerging victory…
… over sin, guilt, evil, death, ignorance, hopelessness and despair.
So let us remember darkness is never the end of the story.
And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever (Rev. 22:5).
