ABRAHAM AND THE DARKNESS OF GOD
Preaching Outline on Genesis 15:8-18 – After the sun had set and darkness came, behold, a smoking fire with a torch burning passed between the pieces of the animals.
Introduction to Genesis 15:8-18
The Bible tells us about the treasures of darkness, about the God who lights up our darkness. (See Isaiah 45.3) We all have moments of “darkness”. Not the darkness of sin, of evil. But difficult moments when no star shines and we don’t see the light of the sun, like Paul during his 14 days on the high seas. Before the light shines in all its fullness, darkness will come.
Sometimes God turns off the light of day and takes some of his children into the darkness so that we can see his mysteries!
It was in the midst of this moment that God revealed to Abraham a great secret concerning his life, his children, his people. Glorious mysteries were revealed about his life and his people.
God has profound things to show us at these times – known as Treasures of Darkness.
DEVELOPMENT
1- God’s action – preparing every moment until the revelations of his mysteries.
Abram presents his sacrifice
It all begins when God asks Abram for a sacrifice and he obeys the Lord. This tells us about our surrender and dedication to God. A man of God is measured by his sacrifice; we need to present sacrifices to God; a man who doesn’t sacrifice to his Lord, how will he receive his mysteries from Him?
Driving away the birds of prey – There is no way of discovering the treasures of darkness if the birds of prey beat us to it; after the dedication of sacrifice come the birds of prey.
It’s natural – throw them out.
Resist evil, be firm in the Lord, don’t let your sacrifices be taken away!
The Bible says that we must submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
God’s darkness
You are walking in dedication and definition against evil, prepare yourself, for God will bring you to know its darkness.
They are paths that frighten us, that bring astonishment (as Abram was frightened).
But there – in the darkness – we will see nothing, we will have no vision for anything else! No one can see in the dark. But we will hear his voice and mysteries will be revealed.
Here we no longer have eyes for temporal things. God brought darkness to the man Saul after his conversion. One truth – God’s children have dark days!
Even the Son of God had his night of darkness!
In God’s darkness, Abraham loses his strength, he falls asleep. God nullifies his strength.
This is what God does! Our prayer: Annul us Lord! We want to hear your voice and know the treasures of darkness!
2- The God of mysteries reveals himself!
God’s secrets are revealed to Abram. Secrets that would speak for many years to come. How glorious! This is the glorious moment when the mighty God is speaking and revealing his mysteries to you.
God only said let there be light after darkness had covered the earth. God established an order in the beginning: There was evening and there was morning, the first day. This is the order: first comes the night, then the day.
Conclusion of Genesis 15:8-18
The Lighted Torch and God’s Covenant – After passing through these stages we will be led to await a lighted torch that will come down from heaven and God will make a covenant with you.
We long for that sublime and glorious moment when the Lord descends upon us like a burning torch.
Come Lord and descend upon us like a burning torch!
When those days come, let’s trust that the Holy Spirit is moving over the face of the abyss (as in the beginning) and the time will come when God will say: Let there be light! And there will be light. To the righteous, light is born in the darkness.
Weeping may last a night, but joy comes in the morning. He dwells in the light and also in the darkness.
Preaching Outline on Genesis 15:8-18 – After the sun had set and darkness came, behold, a smoking fire with a torch burning passed between the pieces of the animals.
More Preaching Outlines
- The Creative Work
- II Peter 1:19-21 – Jesus, the Light
- let there be light… – Genesis 1:3
- Abram – Some Sermons and Studies
- Parable of the Ten Virgins – MATTHEW 25:1-13
