FESTIVITIES IN HOUR
OF DARKNESS
INTRODUCTION
Festivities in hour of darkness is prevalent as one focuses on what is gratifying to the soul rather than salvation of the soul as we experience an avalanche of ungodliness that promotes appeasement of the flesh identified in God’s Word as lust of the flesh and lust of the eyes.
Apostle John wrote: All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof but he that does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:16-17).
It was noted that world signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence. The lust of the flesh (physical desires), the lust of the eyes (personal desires), and the pride of life (self-interests) clarifies individual weaknesses of the human race since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6).
Festivities in Hour of Darkness
Apathy in the World
Festivities in the hour of darkness, due to apathy in the world, would leave one unprepared for what lies ahead. Jesus spoke of lack of concern, in saying: As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the days of the Son of man (Jesus’ return). They eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark and the flood came, and destroyed them all. It must have been terrifying to the people in Noah’s day as waters begin to ascend and eventfully cover the highest mountain on earth destroying every living being not in the ark of safety (Noah and his family).
Jesus continued in saying: Likewise, as it was in the days of Lot, they eat, they drank, they brought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all; even so shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed (His return) (Luke 17:26-30). It must have been terrifying to the people of Lot’s day when fire and brimstone fell from heaven to destroy them all (with the exception of Lot and his household). In both times of destruction a warning was given; first though Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and then Lot, a righteous man; with rejection being the result.
Vain Thoughts Remain
In the midst of ongoing festivities in hour of darkness (sinfulness), the Prophet Jeremiah cried out: O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved, How long shall your vain (wicked) thoughts lodge with you (Jeremiah 4:14)? It was noted that such thoughts today can arise from absorbing immoral movies and television; carelessly surfing the Internet; listening to malicious talk; ignoring the Word of God; giving into a materialistic worldview. It had to be difficult for Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected.
Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism. Today there are those who are giving humanity's vilest nature what they want to hear, justification to do exactly as they please with no regard to a Day of Reckoning. Will we allow the sanctifying Scriptures and the purifying blood of Christ to cleanse the heart and mind or will we persist in sin-filled thinking and experience God's judgment?
Walk in Darkness
The Psalmist wrote: They know not, neither understand they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course (unstable) (Psalm 82:5). This verse reveals that their eyes were closed to justice, choosing the festivities in the hour of darkness (sinfulness), rather than godly reproof, and bearing the traits of ungodliness. It was noted that if humanity continues to drift morally and socially during the next century as it did during the present one, we will sink into the abyss of total corruption and despair.
The festivities in hour of darkness are becoming more prevalent as the church fails in a God-given ability to sound the alarm as it embraces the same characteristics. Apostle Paul wrote: You who teach another, teach not yourself? You that preach a man should not steal, do you steal? You that say a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You that make your boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonor not God (Romans 2:21-23)?
Nations that Forget God
Festivities in hour of darkness (sinfulness) will lead one to what the Psalmist wrote: The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God (Psalm 9:17). Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men (Psalm 9:20). It was noted that the Psalmist was referring to the wicked who forget there is a God; who are bold, impudent, and a fearless generation of men who fear not God.
Apostle John wrote: The light shines in darkness but the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:5). Festivities in hour of darkness have hid the light of the Gospel. Apostle Paul wrote: If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (perishing); in whom the god of this world (Satan) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
Men Love Darkness
(Sinfulness)
Apostle John wrote: This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil; every one that does (practices) evil hates the light, lest his deeds should be reproved (exposed) (John 3:19-20). Apostle Paul wrote: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness (sinfulness), and let us put on the armor of light (salvation) (Romans 13:12).
It was noted that this world is like the night, attended by imperfection and darkness, errors and mistakes, in doctrine and conduct; however it is far spent and in a little time will be over. Paul further states: You are not in darkness (sinfulness), that that (coming of the Lord) should overtake as a thief. You are all (the believers in Christ) children (sons) of light, and of the day, not of darkness (sinfulness). Therefore let us not sleep (be unaware), as do others (those in sin); but let us watch and be sober (ready for the Lord’s coming).
Immersed in Rebellion
A heavy darkness of idolatry shrouded Israel in the Prophet Elijah’s time; with the Israelites immersed in a rebellion against God, turning a deaf ear to Elijah’s warnings of impending judgment for their ungodliness (1 Kings 17:1-6). As people relish festivities in hour of darkness (sinfulness); they often scoff at the ideal of impending judgment, just as in the case of the pre-Flood days of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah previously mentioned.
Apostle Peter noted: The world that then was (pre-Flood days of Noah), being overflowed with water, perished; but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word, are kept in store, reserved unto fire against (until) the Day of Judgment and perdition (destruction) of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:7). Peter then gave reason why it has yet to unfold: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the ungodly), as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
After Their Own Lust
Apostle Peter reveals why festivities in hour of darkness (sinfulness) will no longer prevail: The Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). What will be state of man in such an hour; those who reject the Gospel message of salvation; who allow the course of sin to reign in their life; who mock any sign of godliness?
Will it not be as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed by the hand of God? Apostle Paul noted a time would come (and now is) when they will not endure sound doctrine (the Gospel message); but after their own lusts (desires) shall heap to themselves teachers (deceivers), having itching ears (appeasement towards sin), and shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 4:4).
Prophecy Revealed
A prophecy was given in a Camp Meeting: When I visit My people in mighty revival power, it is to prepare them for the darkness ahead. With the glory shall come great darkness, for the glory is to prepare My people for the darkness, I will enable My people to go through because of the visitation of My Spirit. In the last days shall come seducing spirits that shall turn many of My anointed ones away. Many shall fall through divers lusts and because of sin abounding.
But if you will seek Me diligently, I will put My spirit within you. When one shall turn to the right hand or the left you shall not turn with them, but keep your eyes wholly on the Lord. After I have visited My people, the way shall become more and more narrow, and fewer shall walk therein. But be not deceived, the ways of righteousness are My ways. For though Satan becomes as an angel of light hearken not to him; for those who perform miracles and speak not righteousness are not of Me.
I warn you with great intensity that I am going to judge My house and have a church without spot or wrinkle when I come. I desire to open your eyes and give you spiritual understanding, that you may not be deceived but may walk with uprightness of heart before Me, loving righteousness and hating every evil way. We are of a generation that has witnessed the past mentioned and the future (now the present) being fulfilled.
Found Blameless
Apostle Peter wrote: Seeing that all these things (previously mentioned) shall be dissolved what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness (2 Peter 3:11). Festivities in the hour of darkness (sinfulness) will no longer be an attribute in one’s life; but rather holiness and godliness.
God’s Word is towards deliverance of the soul that one may be able to be a part of what Apostle Peter declared: Nevertheless we (the believer in Christ), according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness; seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:13-14).
Peter then declared: Seeing you know these things before (beforehand), beware lest you also, being led away with the error the wicked (festivities in hour of darkness), fall from your own steadfastness; but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17).
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