In "Lights Shining in Darkness," Don Fortner discusses the theological concept of divine grace manifest in times of spiritual darkness, emphasizing the faithful lives of key Old Testament figures such as Gideon, Barak, and David. Fortner argues that these men exemplified steadfast faith amid widespread idolatry and apostasy, demonstrating that God's provision is always sufficient for His people. He draws upon Hebrews 11:32 and Proverbs 4:18 to illustrate how the faith of these individuals serves as a beacon of light against the backdrop of sin and unbelief. The practical significance of this message is a call for contemporary believers to remain steadfast in faith, finding encouragement in God's unchanging grace during their own dark times, corresponding to Romans 15:4 which underscores the relevance of scriptural accounts for current believers.
Key Quotes
“Each one lived and served the cause of Christ in a day of great spiritual darkness and evil.”
“God did not leave himself without a witness. In the midst of great darkness, these six men stood in their day as bright shining lights.”
“Grace is not constrained by our constraints.”
“Let us cry to him; He will hear us. Let us lean heavily upon his omnipotent arm.”
What does the Bible say about God's provision in dark times?
The Bible shows that in times of spiritual darkness, God provides faithful witnesses who shine as lights for His glory, exemplified in Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11:32, Proverbs 4:18, Romans 15:4
Why is it important for Christians to shine in darkness?
Christians are called to shine in darkness as a witness to God's truth and grace, providing hope and encouragement to others.
Hebrews 11:32, Romans 15:4
How do we know that faith thrives in difficult circumstances?
Faith has historically thrived in difficult circumstances, as seen in the lives of figures in the Bible who overcame great trials through God's grace.
Hebrews 11:32, Romans 15:4
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: - Hebrews 11:32Lights Shining In Darkness
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets." Hebrews 11:32
It is written, “The path of the just is a shining light” (Pro. 4:18). Certainly, that fact is manifest in the lives of these faithful men. One thing was common to them. Each one lived and served the cause of Christ in a day of great spiritual darkness and evil. The times in which they lived are described at length in the book of Judges. Following the deaths of Moses and Joshua, Israel forsook her God. She cast off his law, worshipped the idols of the heathen, and “every man did that which was right in his own eyes!” Darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people.
God’s Provision
Yet, even in those days God did not leave himself without a witness. In the midst of great darkness, these six men stood in their day as bright, shining lights. In the midst of terrible idolatry, they stood as beacons of truth. In the midst of utter apostasy, they stood as walls and pillars of steadfast faith in and love for the God of all grace, whose grace they had proved. They were just the men needed for the day in which they lived. And the day in which they lived was just the day for them.
In this text six specific men are named. Then, these six are linked to the “prophets” (who also served God in times of great apostasy). So the number of those mentioned here is seven, the number used in the Scriptures for completion, grace, fullness, and perfection. – In other words, we are told that God’s provision is always exactly what is needed, always complete, and always full.
This inspired description of faith could not have been complete if Paul had not given us these examples from Israel’s darkest days. – “It was during seasons of great spiritual darkness and gloom that faith wrought many of its mightiest works and achieved some of its most notable victories.” (Pink) – It was during these days of terrible darkness, idolatry, and unbelief that grace shined brilliantly.
Encouragement
Our God is not limited by our circumstances! Grace is not constrained by our constraints. The Word of God is not bound by our bondage. Faith is not weakened by unfavorable circumstances, but thrives in such. These things are written for our encouragement (Rom. 15:4). We, too, live in days of darkness, utter darkness and apostasy. But the arm of the Lord is not short that it cannot save. His ear is not heavy, that it cannot hear. Let us cry to him. He will hear us. Let us lean heavily upon his omnipotent arm. He will help us. Who knows what wonders he may do in our day. Never was a day riper for the showing forth of his greatness, his glory, and his grace. In this apostate generation, we have reason, as much and more, as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel, to believe God, rejoice in his goodness, and give thanks to his holy name.
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