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By Elwin Roach
 
 

(Part 1)

"He revealsMYSTERIES FROM THE DARKNESS, And brings the deep darkness into light" (Job 12:22 NASB). "And without controversy great is the Mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..." (1 Timothy 3:16).

Ah, to know the mysteries, those things of God that have been kept secret since the foundation of the world (Matt 13:35)! How do we come to understand them? Is it by spending hours upon bended knees in prayer? Can we come to their realities by attending power-filled meetings? Or is the source and manifestation of God’s mysteries found, perhaps, in the great books of the world?

If we should gather all the books written by learned men and women who claim to have unraveled God’s many mysteries, we would have a mountain too high to climb. One would think that with the tons of books and other printed material available, and with countless students seeking out the ways and purposes of the Father, there would be no mysteries left to solve. Yet, He and His secrets remain by and large behind a dark glass and unknown by most.

That which is declared as truth is more often than not the opinions of men. Very seldom is it the reality of Christ. The human creature may think he can take heaven’s treasures and bind them between the covers of books, and then lay them open for all to freely eat; but it doesn’t work that way. In their efforts to unlock these mysteries, at best, they preserve yesterday's revelations, which eventually end up on a shelf to gather dust. Meetings and prayers are both good; yet neither are they the keys that unlock the reality of these mysteries. Very seldom do we see their manifestations in the earth, and there are reasons why.

Man is bent on doing things the easiest way possible, so it is not strange that he would view God as the same. Man’s way of doing things would be to have the Lord of mysteries to lift his unrefined soul into the bright light of Himself, and from there to lay out His secrets of the ages. The creature would then expect the Father to send him forth declaring his new-found understanding to the world. But don’t we know, secrets are not so easily come by? They are not to be paraded in the open for all to see. They are not for every ear to hear. They are sequestered. They are hidden from the view of the majority.

There is a certain mystique about mysteries. They can be overwhelming at times as they stir the inquisitive mind of the human creature. Sown into the very fabric of the human soul is the driving force to look into every secret and solve all mysteries. There is no mystery too small nor great, too sacred nor vile, which does not pervade men's minds. The compulsion to solve mysteries is as natural as breathing.

The world is full of unsolved mysteries; yet without controversy, the greatest of all mysteries are those pertaining to Godliness. The most common avenue Christians choose to travel in their endless search for answers to these mysteries is the Bible. Very often, however, their true desire is not to possess Godliness, but to have knowledge about Godliness.

Knowledge alone will usually gratify their hunger; for it is more comfortable to view it from a safe distance rather than actually getting into the midst of it. Generally speaking, people want to go to heaven and live forever, but they don't want to die and leave their carnal world behind. If possible, they would drag their temporal things into the arms of eternity.

The common pursuit to solve mysteries is the same as it was with the Pharisees. The clergy, and students alike, sift through the scriptures with hopes of finding that place wherein they might have eternal life, but they refuse the One that the scriptures say can give them life. (John 5:39-40). Down to this late hour, dogmas, creeds, precepts, programs, and performances continue to be more important than Life Himself.

The point Jesus made was very clear — knowledge is not the answer to the great mystery of Godliness.Paul reinforced this truth when he said, ‘knowledge puffs up’ (1 Cor 8:1). No amount of human intellect will unlock the vast reserves of God's unsearchable riches. Man's ways will always fall short of this great mark. Reading good books and listening to sermons and tapes may instruct, strengthen, and encourage one's soul; yet the true essence of divine mysteries can still be lacking. Becoming fluent in the Greek and Hebrew languages can also be valuable tools, but they are not the end product. At most, they are a means to the end. Paul said that we are to study and show ourselves approved of God. This is good; but neither he nor Jesus said this was the Life. Jesus did say of Himself, however, "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE."

Chastising our flesh with the laws handed down from Moses will not do it. Some try a more natural approach of eating their way into the Kingdom of God. This avenue brings the person to religiously ingesting green algae, alfalfa sprouts, pycnogenol, Noni juice or an array of other wonderful health foods and herbs of the field. Please don’t misunderstand me here. I believe all the above are good for promoting good health, and we stand for good health; but there is nothing spiritual in the best of health foods. It is certainly better to be healthy than sickly; but diets are not the answers to the mystery of Godliness.

It is also better for the rebellious and disobedient to give themselves to the holy laws of God than to live like the wild asses of the wilderness (Jer 2:24). Giving themselves to the law will not bring them one step closer to the Kingdom of heaven; but it may make it much easier on those close to them. It is usually better, but not always, to live with a law-abiding church goer than to live with a drunk.

Nevertheless, health foods, rivers of sweat from works, or the bit and bridle of the law will not advance anyone closer to the mystery of Godliness. Shear obedience to the law will steer one in a better direction and clean his outward appearance, and health foods may elevate one's natural quality of life; but none of these can change one’s nature from carnal to spiritual. The mystery of iniquity will remain intact and continue its perpetual reign. Mechanical legalism alone has always failed to possess the mysterious ingredient of Godliness. Godliness is found in no other place than CHRIST. Without Him, people will abide Godless.
 
 

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance gives an excellent definition of the word, MYSTERY. I believe it will help in understanding why knowledge and works are not our tickets back to God. The Greek word is MUSTERION, which simply means: TO SHUT THE MOUTH; a secret or mystery (through the idea of SILENCE IMPOSED BY INITIATION into religious rites). The Westcott and Hort Greek Interlinear New Testament translates musterion as being A SACRED SECRET. Kittle's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, in essence says this about the word: The musterion is to be shared only with those initiated into the mystery...but the New Testament musterion has an eschatological reference, which (in the proper season) rejects no one.The musterion is not itself revelation; but is the object of revelation.

What a deathblow to our burning desire to share every secret we know! Where we had presumed that we were to shout God’s mysteries from the housetops, we are now told, "SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!" A rush of questions flash through our minds. For instance: why were we given the word of reconciliation, the ministry of reconciliation, or called to be ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor 5:18-20) if we are to keep our mouths shut. It doesn't make sense to be sent out for the purpose of reconciling the world, and then to be told to keep quiet. Why is it, with such wonderful things in our lives, are we to keep them secret? Discounting what Kittle's says about no one eventually being rejected, there seems to be a colossal paradox, especially when we consider 2nd Corinthians 6:2 — "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." There must be some sort of mystery about this mystery that merits an unveiling.

The truth is, we can easily fulfill our calling, and still keep the secrets. To clarify the point, we will draw our attention to a mystery I have spoken of on many occasions. It is a mystery with which most of us are familiar — the Mystery of Marriage (Eph 5:22-33). I like to use this mystery as an example, for in it we can see the simplicity of keeping something a secret, while at the same time divulging it to the whole world.

Anyone who has been married for a while will agree — that they knew nothing about marriage before they were initiated into it. Before they were married, most of them had thought they knew a lot about the subject, and there is reason for this. It is likely that they grew up in a family with a mother and father who were married, or at least they had grandparents, aunts and uncles who were married. What they saw was the fruit of the marriage and not the process. Such observation alone had instilled a false perception of this mystery, and what sealed their ideas about marriage was when they fell in love with the ones they would marry.

What else was there to know about it? Twenty years of observation and two months of love should be all anyone needs to vault into the easy life of marriage, right? Wrong! Of course it is wrong, for once they became married, after they were firmly initiated into it, they came to realize — there is a lot more to marriage than their imaginations had assumed. No amount of observation, instruction, or love could have revealed the mystery of marriage to them. They had to experience it for themselves. And so it is with the mystery of Godliness.

The nature of marriage, like all Godly mysteries, prohibits its secrets from being revealed by words alone. Words may describe the outward shell, the principles of a relationship called marriage, but its inner essence will stay hidden to those who have not been initiated into it.

Now we ask, can such a thing as marriage be taught? Can our children or grandchildren understand anything we tell them about this wonderful mystery? Not in a million years. But there is a way to relate this mystery, which will draw and cause them to desire it: We can express the mystery in our lives! We can exemplify the mystery! WE CAN MANIFEST THE MYSTERY! This is how we first tell, or unveil, this illusive secret, yet much of what we manifest comes out of the furnace of fire wherein we were tried. And it is the same with the mystery of Life in Jesus Christ.

Jesus spoke of this unveiling when He prayed to His Father — "I HAVE MANIFESTED THY NAME" (John 17:6). Everything He did or said was His Father's Life being manifested. He was the very expression of His substance (Heb 1:3). His words and deeds were powerful and had great impact upon the lives of those who heard and were touched by Him. But we must realize that what He spoke and did were more than carefully chosen words and innovative works. His words and actions flowed from the well-spring of God, from the very essence of divinity. And even at that, those who walked with Him were only temporarily helped. There were no changes in their nature until they too were initiated into that same life at Pentecost.

When we truly live the mystery of Godliness, we are the very examples of it. By living it we radiate the light of God’s powerful love. This is what it is to share such a mystery to those yet to be initiated into it. Once the mystery becomes a part of our lives, it is clearly seen and desired by those with eyes to see. We may even be asked to teach the great mystery of Godliness, but our answer will always be the same — which is a simple — "No."
 
 

In effect our mouths will be shut, for there are no words that can convey what we became in the fire. We can relate these wonderful things in a measure; but how can you reduce the high and holy works of God and place them in human language? I don’t think it can be done without losing something in the transfer. So it stands — Godliness cannot be fully known until there is an initiation into it. Once they are joined to the Lord, as it is in a true marriage, we can then share things with them and they will understand, but not before. It is as impossible to teach the mystery of Godliness to those outside a thriving relationship with Christ, as it is impossible to teach any other mystery: It is impossible to teachFire, it is impossible to teach Love,it is impossible to teach Immortality, it is impossible to teach Christ — but anyone can be initiated into all these mysteries and know the reality of them by experience.

The beautiful thing about this is that we don't have to be intellectual giants to know love or understand all the mysteries of Christ; nor do we have to embrace certain doctrines, or quote a string of scriptures. Praise God! Intelligence, fluid rhetoric, or demonstrations of gifts have nothing to do with it. We can't teach a relationship, but we can surely live it! That is what Godliness comes from — a relationship!

Ask a child to explain the love he has for his parents. He won't be able to; but his love goes to the core of his little heart, and it is manifested continually. You see, he was initiated into love. His mom and dad first loved him, and they saturated him with it, and before his infant mind could even form a thought, he loved them too. And we also love our Father, and Mother, for He and the Church (not the organization) first loved us, as the apostle of love wrote of God so many centuries ago: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us....We love Him because HE FIRST LOVED US" (1 John 4:10,19).

God's mysteries, His secrets, are dimly seen at first. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (1 Cor 13:12). In a measure, we understand these mysteries when they come by the Spirit of revelation, but they cannot be fully grasped until they are tried by fire and we walk in them.

What I am saying in no way suggests we can "know" nothing of God’s mysteries without experiencing them; for Jesus said: "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:10–11). The word, ‘know’ is from the Greek word gnosko, and is used in a great variety of applications and with many implications (rf. Strong’s). Gnosko, therefore, must be taken in context of what is being said to grasp its intention. In this case it speaks of knowing something, even on the intellectual scale, once it has been clearly spoken and heard. Let us note that the Pharisees were not told these mysteries, except inparables, so they would not know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Even so, this is not our point of interest today. We are looking farther down the road to where we are presently walking. We are deeply appreciative of knowing about God’s Kingdom from receiving the Seed revelation; but to understand what is happening to that Seed is our quest at the moment.

In times past, we often took the words of Jesus and prematurely ran with them, thinking the beginning seed of the Word had the same merit as the ending manifestation — but it doesn't. The planting of the seed (the revelation of the Word) is no less valuable than the harvest (the manifestation); but there is a difference between the two. There is also a process of the sown seed. There are three major seasons involved that all live bearing seeds go through. The First is for planting, the second is for growing, while theLast is for harvesting. The First is hidden in the earth, while the Last is manifested throughout the earth. And can we not see ourselves as seeds of the Kingdom — sown into the earth, to abide in darkness for a season, and then the manifestation.

A significant number today assume they are at the end of the race, while they are hardly beyond the starting line. Let us always be mindful of the beginning of God's Word, to hold it very dear to our hearts, for contained inside is the Life of the Ages and waiting to be revealed in its season. But we should not uproot it before the time. Let us also remember, it is not through the strength and determination of those who run that enables them to finish the race: It is by Christ who is of power, and He is the one who will establish us according to the revelation of THE MYSTERY, which was KEPT SECRET since the world began(Rom 16:25).
 
 

When the sons of God are manifested, they will teach the world many things; but what they teach, including the Mystery of Godliness, will only be in seed form. This has always been the principle of living things — first the sowing of the seed before the harvest. And to think, all the fulness of the glory of God begins with a single step of the simple words being confessed with the mouth — "Lord Jesus!" (Rom 8:9-10).

It is terribly hard for most of us to keep our mouths shut, especially when we have been enlightened by the glorious wonders of our Lord's Kingdom. We want to share them with everyone. Our desire is for others to be blessed by the riches of these great mysteries, but it is often to our own hurt. Swine, as we have learned, trample our pearls underfoot, and dogs rend us for being so giving of these priceless secrets. With such constraining experiences in our lives, we are becoming more cautious of when and with whom we share. Nevertheless, there are proper times and seasons to declare plainly of those things we know:

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2). Although there is a time when we are to be faithful stewards of silence, i.e., being careful not to choke infants or cast our pearls before the unregenerate — there is a time to speak. For Paul also said, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, That I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." (Eph. 6:19–20).

Are we to hold our silence when we come in contact with those who are in union with us, those who are one with us and our Father? We can't and we shouldn't, for when we gather at His banqueting table of Life, we must share and eat and enjoy the greatness of the feast. How can we keep silent when the ears of those who are called to be heirs of salvation are opened? And can we shut our mouths when we are sent to reconcile the lost. Again, we can't and we shouldn't, for we have much seed to sow. Paul also asked:

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom. 10:14–15).

And the writer of Hebrews also penned some wonderful words along these lines:

"But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Heb. 1:14)." If angels are sent to prepare one's heart to hear and receive the Word of Salvation, we should be quick and ready to speak when we are called to do so. The words that flow from our mouths will be the very Seed that initiates them into the mystery of Christ, causing them to live for the first time. We will not be able to teach them life any more than we can teach them to be holy, but we can certainly help to initiate them into life. It is here, in Christ's Life, that they begin to know what it is to be holy. And so it is with all the Mysteries of God. They are all hidden, except to those of His choosing.
 
 

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the worldunto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor 2:7–10).

What is that hidden wisdom? For one, it is not the rhetoric of man’s brilliant words. We will borrow again from Paul for some insight: "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel:not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect" (1 Cor 1:17). "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom....For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1–2). He went on to say: "But...CHRIST THE WISDOM OF GOD." And, "...of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us Wisdom..." (1 Cor 1:24 & 30).

I am hoping that with a little prompting by the Spirit of revelation we all come to see that God's hidden Wisdom is Jesus Christ. Also, that when He revealed Himself to us, He was no longer hidden. He first became evident in us, not through teachings but by revelation, and then with our eyes opened to His features (His character), we then began to see Him in His people. No longer is He a hidden Mystery to us; but as each day passes, we become more like Him, and we see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).

"...Without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory"(1 Tim 3:16). The man Jesus was that manifestation of God's great Mystery of Wisdom and Godliness! The princes of the world, the leaders of the church in that day, could not see Him, and He remained a mystery. He was the greatest mystery they had ever encountered; but to those who could see Him, He was no mystery. This Mystery, God in the flesh, became very clear when the eyes of pure hearts were opened. The opening of their eyes, however, was not the end of that mystery. It was only the beginning, and so it is with us.
 
 

The Word of God that opened our blind eyes was first a Seed, and in it was the spark of Life that would someday burst forth as the blazing Sun. The Wisdom of God, the Word of God (Christ Jesus) was hidden inside the shell of the letter, until we heard by the Spirit and were made alive at its sound. This Wisdom was then hidden in the earth of our hearts (2 Cor 4:7) — waiting to be established by the power of Christ (Rom 16:25). It is partially manifested today, yet shall be fully revealed in the Last Day (Rev 10:7).

"Now the parable is this: THE SEED is THE WORD of God." (Lk 8:11). Like any seed, the Word of God is sown, but it does not come forth in a day. Its beginning (its Alpha) is not its ending (its Omega). It must, however, be established in the earth before the mystery begins to be apparent, as mentioned previously. First the Seed — the Alpha; from there the establishing of its roots, the blade, the stalk, the ear and finally the mature corn in the ear — the Omega. Jesus is truly the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). It Begins in and by Him, it is established in and by Him, and in and by Him it Ends (Rom 11:36). Every phase of our journey into the Great Mysteries of God are in and by our Lord Jesus Christ. From the Beginning to the End, from the Sowing of the Seed to its Unveiling in the flesh is in and by Him. Truly we are the workmanship of God, which leaves us with no cause to boast: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is THE GIFT OF GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast.For we are HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED that we should WALK IN THEM" (Eph 2:8–10).

Isn't it good to know that it is not our responsibility to make ourselves godly, or to unveil His glory? It is wonderful to see that it is not our duty to make gods of ourselves, or to unravel all the deep and unsearchable mysteries of the wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Christ (Col 2:2–3). With this understanding alone, we can stop worrying whether we are going to make the grade or not. The only things we should be concerned about are the condition of our hearts, where our priorities are, and submitting to the unction of the Spirit. With a pure heart, a fervent desire toward Christ and His Kingdom, and being an obedient son — we can each count on sharing to the world all these treasured mysteries of God. We will not share them by teaching the letter of the mysteries, but by manifesting them in their season of unveiling.

Oh, to have those seasons to arrive in full glory — that is our desire — but it is not yet the hour, for these mysteries are still at work in the secret place of the Most High. They are having their way in the area where we abide alone with Him. This place is very close to us, closer than we might think. However, it is like the proverbial forest — "You can’t see the forest for the trees." Sometimes we have to step back a pace or two to get the full picture. Until it comes into focus we are likely to reject the secret place of the Most High, which happens to be where most mystries are made known and manifested in ones life. Due to the lack of understanding, many have sorely rejected the process, for it is certainly not the way we would choose to bring ourselves forth with Christ’s glorious light. As we noticed earlier: these mysteries are secrets; they are not laid open for all to see; they are not for every ear to hear; they are sequestered; they are hidden. Brethren, they abide in the DARKNESS!

Isaiah knew something of this. He wrote: "Verily thou art a God that HIDEST THYSELF, O God of Israel, the Saviour." (Isa 45:15). And the Psalmist joins the thought: "He made DARKNESS HIS SECRET PLACE; HIS PAVILION ROUND ABOUT HIM WERE DARK WATERS AND THICK CLOUDS of the skies." (Psa 18:11). Although we flee from darkness, we find ourselves often immersed in it. I don’t mean the darkness of sin, rebellion, and self-willed lifestyles. This darkness is the darkness of pain, of sorrow, of rejections, of calamities, of suffering, and of many afflictions.

Do you still want to know the mysteries of God? Then brace yourselves for a journey through dark waters, deep valleys, and thick clouds; for that is where the Master of mysteries is found. Once you find Him in these places, the mysteries are also found, as you are initiated deeply into them. When the initiation has worked its purpose, our Lord of glory will be seen coming in these clouds of heaven, shining brightly into a dark world.

Please understand, this is different from the wonderful walk with Him in the Light of His Spirit that we enjoy day by day. It is not that part of God that bears us on eagles’ wings, and brings us into the safe haven of His arms. This speaks of the place where His mysteries are made manifest in our lives. It is the habitation of adversities. It is the proving grounds for the sons of God. Therefore, gird up your loins, my brothers, my sisters — for there is more to come!
 
 

To be continued...
 
 

(Part 2)
 
 

"He reveals mysteries from the darkness, And brings the deep darkness into light" (Job 12:22 NASB). "He made DARKNESS His secret place; HIS PAVILION round about him were DARK WATERS and THICK CLOUDS of the skies."(Psa 18:11).

It is the quest of man to know mysteries, especially those pertaining to God; but who would think to look for them in the confines of darkness. No one that I know; yet those who are called to Sonship are destined at times to abide in those hallowed chambers.

Many today have already become acquainted with this darkness. And be sure to know, it is not the darkness of sin, it is the darkness akin to Jobs sufferings. We do not sit upon the ash-heaps of rebellion, but rather, upon the ash-heaps that work perfection.

Oh, to see the end of this thick darkness! To arrive in full glory — that is our desire — but it is not yet the hour. If it were the hour, we would see ourselves rising out of the shadows of death and into the bright Light of the Day. These mysteries are still at work in the secret place of the Most High. They are grinding out perfection from where we abide alone in Him. Many, like Job’s friends, peer long and hard at our condition and suppose we must have done something wrong; for why else, they wonder, would God bring so much sorrow and painful humiliation upon us. Those, however, who are not initiated into the same cannot begin to understand such mysteries. It is impossible for them to know what is going on. For you see — they are mysteries. They are secrets. They are not laid open for all to see. They are not for every ear to hear. They are hidden from the profane. Brethren, they abide in the DARKNESS!

Isaiah wrote: "Verily thou art a God that HIDEST THYSELF, O God of Israel, the Saviour." (Isa 45:15). And to borrow again from David: "He made DARKNESS HIS SECRET PLACE; HIS PAVILION ROUND ABOUT HIM WERE DARK WATERS AND THICK CLOUDS of the skies." (Psa 18:11).

We flee the darkness of the world from which we were delivered, and we should, for it works nothing but death. However, we at times also find ourselves fleeing from the abode of God. For who would venture willingly into such a secret place. It is not common for one to swim in a pavilion of dark waters, or to clothe himself in thick clouds. Nevertheless, we are driven to such dreadful places.

What a paradox — God is Light, yet the scriptures tell us that He makes darkness His secret place. Oh, the wonders of God! Who can know His mind? Let men pry, but His ways are past finding out, and one of those things men cannot find out is the mystery of light that comes out of darkness. Again, I must insert, this is not the darkness of sin, rebellion, and self-willed lifestyles. This darkness is the darkness of pain, of sorrow, of rejections, of calamities, of suffering, and of many afflictions.

These are the mysteries of God that take us on a journey through dark waters, deep valleys, and thick clouds — for therein is where the Master of Mysteries hides Himself. Anyone searching for the Prince of Peace would not think of finding Him in the darkness of the lions den; but that is where He was found by Daniel. His pavilion is often the inner recesses of the dark valleys of rejection, loneliness, and debilitating infirmities. These are things we do not seek, and we don’t have to, for they come looking for us if our testimony is that of Jesus Christ.

Once we find ourselves in these dark places, we will also find Him in a way we have never known. It is then that the mysteries are secured as we are baptized, immersed, initiated, deeply into them. When the baptism has worked its purpose, our Lord of glory will be seen coming with power in these clouds of heaven. From where He was formerly hidden, He will be seen shining brightly into a dark world.

This pavilion is different from the one wherein we walk with Him in the wonderful Light of His Spirit that we may enjoy day by day. It is not that part of God that bears us on eagles’ wings, and brings us into the safe haven of His arms while sheltering us from the storm. The mysteries of which we speak today abide in the habitation of adversities. They are the proving grounds for the sons of God.

We should know, however, that in the midst of the storm, when the waves roll fiercely about our ships, we are in no grave danger. Regardless of the trouble that blows through our lives, He is with us. He never fails, He will not leave, nor will He ever forsake us. This is made clear in scripture (Deut 31:6 & Heb 13:5).

He may at times be found sleeping in the back of our frail vessels as we are tossed about (Mark 4:37-38); but fear not fellow sojourners, for we are on a mission with Him. We have been sent to the other side of life’s Galilee, and come rain or shine, wind or calm, hell or high water — we will arrive safely. We will disembark upon the coastline of death and finish what we were sent to do in the tombs of the Gadarenes.

Until the sons of God make their way across the troubled sea and into the portals of hell and death, not many will be made free. Those doors will remain bolted about with strong bars; but once ashore, the gates shall not prevail. The keys of death and hell are in our hands to free those appointed to death.

We may be prone to cry a little, or to groan, and question why must we suffer the ravages of these storms when the tranquil beaches of home are much more pleasant. The answer is simple — we are being prepared to set the captives free. Before they can be made free, however, we must be free. And how can we know what freedom is if we have never known captivity? We are of little good to those in the prison of corruption until we have put on incorruption. Until then, all we can do is to empathize with them. Immortality can only be known after we have been subjected to mortality and risen out of it. It is then that it shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "...Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor 15:54-55).

Those in hell have long awaited our arrival; but before we slay the dragon in the sea, we must first slay it in ourselves. Before we can bring forth those held in death, we ourselves must first live. No soldier ever won a war unless he first suffered the hardships of battle. "Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:13 NASB).
 
 

We at times wonder why we are set apart from the rest of the Body. Although we are joined to the Body of Christ by His Spirit, we can’t help from asking why we must be physically separated from those of like mind and spirit. Sure, we may have one or two to fellowship with, or a handful in our assemblies as we come together; but where is the manifestation of the Body as a whole?

It matters not what we do in attempts to bring people together and motivate the Body into action — every effort fails. There may be times when it looks as if the body is being assembled for action; but they are short-lived excursions. We may even see moves, or sparks of inspiration shooting into the heavens; but they are more like perspiration than inspiration, and after a time they are gone. These moves of God, as they are sometimes called, remind us of Isaiah 50:11 — "Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow." The Amplified renders it — "Behold, all you [enemies of your own selves] who attempt to kindle your own fire [and work out your own plan of salvation], who surround and gird yourselves with momentary sparks, darts and firebrands that you set aflame! Walk by the light of your self-made fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled [for yourself, if your will]! But this shall you have from My hand: you shall lie down in grief and in torment."

There is little question why we don’t see any long-lasting, earth-shaking moves of God today. They are, by and large, self-made fires and sparks of passing glory. Some may feel that these laughing revivals, or healing campaigns that fill huge stadiums with thousands of people will be what ushers in the kingdom of God for every eye to see. But please be assured, my travel-weary friends, these stirrings do not have the markings of what burns in our hearts. They are far from the beginning of God’s Kingdom being manifested in the earth.

There is no argument about it, what we see in the church system is not the assembling of the body of Christ. If this is true, why then, are we not seeing the manifestation of Christ’s Body among ourselves? I am sure there are various factors; but part of the answer lies in where we are today: We are confined to pavilions and will abide therein during the Feast of Tabernacles. The feast must run its course before we have the liberty to leave. And the Kingdom of God, we can be sure, will remain obscure and hidden in darkness until we exit and assemble in the eighth day.
 
 

The Hebrew meaning for PAVILION (cukkah) is a HUT or lair, as of entwined boughs (rf. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Most often the word is translated booths ortabernacles. Thus, the Feast of Tabernacles. Pavilions (booths/tabernacles) are neither the main building nor permanent dwellings. They do not contain all the comforts of home. Tabernacles speak of a time when we dwell in temporary booths or huts while making burnt offerings.

Each year during September and October there is heightened expectation. For it is the season for the manifestation of the Sons of God, as it is told, and it may indeed commence at this time, but only when the feast draws to a close. Although this is just cause for such anticipation and excitement, it seems there are some vital aspects of the Feast of Tabernacles that are not largely understood.

What makes this feast so difficult to understand is that practically everything written and taught about it is prophetic — that it is the last and great feast yet to be fulfilled in reality. After Jesus fulfilled Passover the sacrifices ceased in the temple. After He came as the Holy Spirit fifty days later and filled the 120 in the upper room, the need to practice the Feast of Pentecost came to an end. It is the same with us, there is no need to practice the ordinance after we have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But what about the Feast of Tabernacles? Why are we still coming together every year and observing this feast? No doubt, it is because we are waiting for it to be fulfilled in our lives. Only when it becomes a reality will this carnal ordinance likewise cease from being a ritual.

This has appeared strange to me. Every feast and ordinance of the law has been fulfilled except this one. I have often wondered why God would bring them all into a living reality in our lives and wait 2,000 years for this particular feast. The fact is swiftly appearing that He hasn’t waited after all, as we had presumed. There has been a fulfilling, at least in part, of this feast right along with Passover and Pentecost; but due to our eyes having been veiled, we have not seen the mystery of it. It has, therefore, been projected into the future the same way everything else that is not readily seen or experienced.

Certainly, there are many things yet to be worked in our lives and manifested, including the feast of huts wherein we dwell today; however, this does not negate what is transpiring at the moment. It appears to me that all three feasts — Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles — are presently working in our lives. For instance: we are dying daily as the new man suffers the deluge of many hardships — Passover. Also in Passover is the process of being saved/delivered from the lusts of the flesh and body of death by the life of Jesus Christ. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a reality in our lives — Pentecost. And burnt offerings have been with us as we dwell seven daysin booths — Tabernacles. (Seven in scripture speaks of perfection, nothing lacking. Seven days, regardless of how long it takes to complete the task, is the process of bringing it to perfection.)
 
 

LikePassover and Pentecost, without this basic understanding, people will continue practicing the ritual of Tabernacles until it is manifested in their lives as well. When reality is lacking, people will almost always revert to rituals. Going through the motions is all they know to do. Truthfully, it is much easier to go to a convention once a year and feast upon anointed messages and encouraging prophecies than to live seven days (throughout the year) in make-shift huts.

"And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook..." (Lev 23:40a). Nevertheless, the accommodations may not be the best to be had; but it was a time of rejoicing: "...and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days" (Lev 23:40b). It may be hard to imagine; but one can rejoice in the midst of difficult times. Jesus said: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..." (Mat 5:11-12). And Paul spoke of this also: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil 4:4).

AlthoughTabernacles is a time of rejoicing, it is also a time to be solemn: "Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work ('abodah, work of any kind) therein"(Lev 23:36). During the seven days of Tabernacles, burnt offerings are being made. When viewing things in the light of types and shadows, we can see that the burnt offerings signified the ones who made them. And I can tell you, when our lives are going up in smoke as unblemished burnt offerings, we have good cause to be solemn.

Truly, this is one of God’s many paradoxes. On one hand He commanded the people to rejoice before Him, and on the other He said it was to be a solemn assembly. The two words, rejoice and solemn, do not have a lot in common with one another. For instance, REJOICE "Denotes being glad or joyful with the whole disposition as indicated by its association with the heart. Many occasions and objects cheer a man: wine (Ps 104:15); meeting a loved one (Ex 4:14); God’s feasts (Neh 12:43); but the Lord and His salvation are cited most frequently as the reason for joy (II Chr 20:27, Ps 5:11...)". And SOLEMN ASSEMBLY is from one word written twice, asara asara. It means "to restrain, retain, to seize, hold back, prevent, to keep from, shut up" (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) .

Only in Christ can we do both at the same time. Due to the deep working of His grace in us, we easily maintain the spirit of praise and worship before our Lord as we dwell alone in the flames that sweep through our lives.

We are familiar with the fire, and with dark days that often shroud the shining of the Sun. What we are experiencing speaks expressly that we are already in Tabernacles. To make my point, let me ask:

Are we dwelling today in the large congregation of Christ? Is there an abundance of fellowship in our lives? Are the doors of the house of the Lord standing wide open? Has an easy access been made to God’s wonder-working power? Are the lost and weary drawn to us as a welcomed light set upon a hill? Hmmm... Or is it to the contrary? More often we are alone and void of fellowship. We may seek congregations of people who are of like mind and spirit, but they are seldom found. Although we enjoy Spirit-filled meetings, we find that we abide alone afterwards. And sometimes, in the midst of the meetings, we are still alone. God’s power isn’t working in great measures throughout the Body. And we certainly don’t see the world beating a path to our doors.

Brethren, try as we may, we have not been able to inject power into the body of Christ, nor have we had much success in assembling it to any degree at all. Small gatherings may have been seen at times, but it was not for very long. They appeared to have promise, yet their lights have gone out. In a word, my friends — we are dwelling alone in booths, in our own little huts if you please. God said that He "... made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt..." (Lev 23:43), and during the season of tabernacles,every male (Exo 23:17) is commanded to dwell in booths (Lev 23:42). Are you a male in Israel, or rather — are you one of God’s sons? If you are, I can safely tell you — your calling is to dwell for awhile in a hut.

While in Tabernacles, we don’t want to lose sight that it is a time of rejoicing; howbeit, we must also know why we are often alone in fellowship, and why the flames are sweeping through almost every family. The Feast of Tabernacles/Booths/Hutsis fulfilled in the days following the Blowing of Trumpets, which we have been hearing and sounding for many years. The trumpets, or shofars (rams horns), call us together unto one holy convocation to begin a common activity — to offer burnt offerings as we abide alone in our tiny domiciles. Although alone, we rejoice, for the long-toiling days are over. The time of harvest has come. The promise of victory is upon the horizon. And with understanding, the unveiling mysteries we have sought are at hand.

And where did we have to go to find them — or better, to find Him — "He made DARKNESS His secret place; His PAVILION round about Him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies" (Psa 18:11). It is IN HIM where such mysteries are found — in the PAVILION (tabernacle, booth, hut) of each son of God.

Adversity is not a pleasant thing, and I know of no one who seeks it out. They who understand, however, know that the clouds of adversity unlock untold mysteries to the ones who endure. While dwelling in our temporary booths, they bring to light those hidden things of God. There may be fear at first, as we are swept over with darkness; but ultimately it causes our ears to be opened in ways we had never heard: "While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and THEY FEARED AS THEY ENTERED INTO THE CLOUD. And THERE CAME A VOICE OUT OF THE CLOUD, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him" (Luke 9:34-35). This, my fellowhut-dwellers, is the voice we hear in darkness. It is the voice of our Father which directs us back to the voice of our Lord. You see, there is no reason to fear.

This overshadowing cloud has hidden us from the world. At times it is peaceful as we abide alone with our Father; but at other times it is not. The latter times are the ones we are addressing today. Margit and I have never seen so much pain, sorrow, suffering, anguish, turmoil, afflictions, and sundry pressures in the lives of God’s elect. It is unequaled to anything we have known, and it is likely to get worse. The dark cloud of God’s Pavilion is engulfing so many to one degree or another. For some it is overwhelming! What a baptism to be baptized with! Yet this is the secret place of the Most High. We could not have imagined what awaited us. Who could have told us what had never entered the mind of man. Oh, we prophesied it here and there; but until we entered His Pavilion of darkness, we could not comprehend it.

Let me briefly share a small fragment of what is ravaging those who were called to the Feast of Trumpets and are now partaking of the Feast of Tabernacles:

A sister in California lost her husband to cancer last year; another’s husband died recently of a heart attack; several we know are afflicted with macular degeneration; a dear friend of ours had life-threatening neck surgery two years ago; another friend almost lost his foot to gangrene; his and his wife’s 28 year-old son is having blackouts which may be caused by either a brain tumor or serious mini strokes; our friend’s condition of Addison’s disease has been unprecedented over the years; Parkinson’s disease has hit one in Idaho; several we know have come down with the shingles; cancer of all types is ravaging many; the affliction of congestive heart failure is becoming common; our grandson, Joseph Daniel, as well as our friend’s grandson in Florida, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalies. Our Joseph is also deaf, has to be on oxygen, suffers from reflux when he eats, and has now had to have surgery to correct a twisted intestine. Our friends of many years have a new grandson who is presently in the hospital in Albuquerque with pneumonia and two holes in his tiny heart. And a dear sister in Kentucky, who lost her husband five years ago, fell face-forward into the grill of her car. Her nose was crushed at the crown, 16 bones were crushed altogether. Her head required ten stitches. Bones came through each side of her nose, requiring more stitches. Her eyes and ears were full of blood. She was unrecognizable. It has been over a year, and she is still recovering. In all this darkness, she did not lament, but said: "I know this is a trying time for all God’s children, especially those who are pressing on into Him. He is putting the intricate finish on us."

Amen — He is doing exactly what she said! As we press into Him, into His Pavilion of darkness, the intricate finish will be made. The above, however, touches upon physical afflictions that serve as fire for these burnt offerings that we are. There are other types of fire that are just as painful and sometimes more devastating. We all know those who live with the pain of rejection; divorce; constant stress; depression; nervous breakdowns; anxieties; loss of jobs; financial straits; bankruptcies; imprisoned or children in prison; unjust lawsuits; losing homes, friends and loved ones. The list goes on.

What we are suffering is no different from what the whole world is suffering, except, however, for what the fire is doing. The fire of Tabernacles is working a transformation in our lives. We, the burnt offerings, are consumed and transformed into a sweet-smelling savor to the LORD. Those outside the Tabernacle are not a solemn work of holiness. While we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they walk through the valley of death. Some may even be in the valley of Hinnom and are suffering just retribution for their sin and rebellion. Fire does a work in everyone it touches; but it is not the same as what it does to those in Tabernacles. Our focus at the moment, however, is not on the world, but is on those who are entering the Kingdom of God through much tribulation.

The above list of fiery afflictions is a small fraction of what those who are in Tabernacles are enduring. However, even in the midst of these dark waters and thick clouds, we have never known such a people who are rejoicing as they are. Even so, this does not stop us from looking forward to its end. We are eager to leave these temporary booths. For it is then that we will emerge from darkness clothed and wrapped about in God’s unsearchable riches. Indeed, it will be Mysteries from Darkness, as Job prophetically declared ages ago concerning the Sons.

It will then be said of us: "The people that walked in darkness have seen a Great Light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the Light shined" (Isa 9:2). I don’t know about you, brethren, but this gives me rise to shout! Upon hearing the voice of our Lord — regardless of the cloud that may shroud our lives — I rejoice and praise God with all my heart! Although Tabernaclesis a time of loneliness, it is also a time of rejoicing, and only those initiated into true Tabernacles can rejoice in the face of such adversity. Furthermore, if we had it to do all over again, what would we change? For if one tittle of darkness were taken out of our lives before the work was done — something of God would be missing. We would fall short of His mysteries as we leave the shadow of death and rise from the ashes of sorrow.

Take hope, all you who suffer today, and sing with me this song of promise: "For Thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness" (Psa 18:28). And also, "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous" (Psa 112:4). Although "...weeping may endure for a night...joy cometh in the morning" (Psa 30:5). You can count on it!

To be continued... Elwin R. Roach
 
 

(Part 3)
 
 

"For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His PAVILION: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock" (Psa 27:5).

We are all acquainted with those wonderful times when we are hidden from trouble. During those assuring occasions, we echo the words of David — "...Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast" (Psa 57:1). And again in Psalm 91:1 — "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." We are so thankful to be protected from ensuing calamities, when piercing lightning bolts strike with a vengeance in other people’s lives. We have all known such times when we remain miraculously unharmed when so many are deluged with adversities.

However, as we progress ever closer to the end of our journey, we are becoming more aware that God’s secret place, His pavilion, is sometimes not the same as we once knew it. In the beginning of our walk as newborns, infants, and toddlers — God’s protection was all about us. We were spared things too numerous to recount. But now, in our travels though the valley of the shadow of death, we find ourselves being baptized in Fire. His pavilion (Heb. cukkah: booth, hut or lair) has taken on a change. The shadow of His wings that once sheltered us from the storm seems now to be the storm. The shadow has become what the word means — a shadow, a shade, that which lacks light. His pavilion wherein we now abide for a season is the one David referred to: "He made DARKNESS His secret place; HIS PAVILION round about Him were DARK WATERS and THICK CLOUDS of the skies." (Psa 18:11).

The light of day is often diminished while we are overshadowed by God’s pavilion. Although He is always present, and there is great joy, a shroud of darkness can replace the illumined brightness of His warm embrace.

This darkness comes in various ways, one of which is hard to believe when it arrives. It is the darkness of rejection, not rejection from our Lord, but from our friends. It is the shadow of no one standing with us when we need them the most. Jesus was acquainted with this dark cloud of God’s pavilion, and even though He knew beforehand that those closest to Him would forsake Him, it hurt terribly. When Jesus was arrested, His most faithful followers turned their backs and denied they ever knew Him. Paul was another who was overshadowed while in the secret place of God’s tabernacle. He wrote, "At my first answer (or defense, Grk) no man stood with me, but all men forsook me" (2 Tim 4:16). Brethren, if you have never been rejected by those you love, you cannot imagine the deep pain that is inflicted. It sweeps over your soul like a rolling wave of suffocating darkness. Notwithstanding, there are a multitude of other things found in the shadow of God’s pavilion. To name a few: sickness and afflictions of all kinds and magnitudes; loved ones dying or being killed without warning; infidelities; divorces; wayward children; drug and alcohol addictions; depression; mental breakdowns; persecutions (religious and otherwise).

Oh, the wonder of what God is doing! Who can know it? If the Lord had not been standing with us in these dark pavilions, we could have wavered, stumbled, and fallen. Without His abiding presence and power of grace sustaining us, and changing us, we would never see His mysteries rising from darkness! The dark clouds of adversity would have devoured us. We would be no more; but praise God — that is not to be our end! Our end is to rise into the radiant light of the One who is the End — the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End — Jesus Christ.

After the baptism of fire has finished its purpose, we shall rise without the smell of smoke upon our garments. As lightning, we will burst forth from the clouds of darkness and bring His shining glory into all the earth! Hallelujah! Although our lives may be blanketed with darkness — it is time to rejoice, saints! For Tabernacles is drawing to a close.

Let us not complain about our circumstances; for they are working a far more weight of glory than we could have ever dreamed possible. We would short-change ourselves if what we imagined to be our end actually came to be. It has never entered our minds what God has prepared for us, and it certainly had never entered our minds the path that would carry us there. Oh, the mystery of it all! How could we have known that the way to life was death. It was far from our minds. We were strangers to the thought that to break forth into Christ’s effulgent light would first require a time of darkness.

If you happen to be in such a dark pavilion that you don’t think you will ever see the Light of Day, take hope, for as "...wisdom excels folly — light excels darkness."(Eccl 2:13). The light shall prevail! Darkness is not forever. And do you not know — the Light of Jesus Christ abides in you? If this is so, and it is, then this unquenchable Light will excel the darkness that overflows your lives. You will not remain in these pavilions of darkness forever, for pavilions, if you recall, are temporary booths. They are individual tabernacles designed to hold you only for a short time (seven days unto perfection). Tabernacles are not permanent dwellings. While in the midst of fire, when the burnt offerings are being consumed, it may seem like there will be no end to the blaze of fire. However, an end is ordained. It comes at our transformation — after the holy flames of God have finished that for which they were fashioned.

Who would have imagined that such pain we are suffering could be called holy? Not many, I am sure. Nevertheless, if these hard things we are enduring are of God, and if they are working a holy change in our lives — then they are holy! They could be nothing less.
 
 

Man’s way is to increase himself so he can have more strength. The stronger he is the more power he has. The more power he possesses, the more he will be able to do the things that are set in his heart. This is the thinking of the world; however, it is not relegated to the world alone. It has saturated the church as well. This viral way of thinking has pervaded every quadrant of the religious systems of the world.

For instance: if a man, saint or sinner alike, wants to become rich, he generally doesn’t seek to become poor. If he wants to live, he flees the threat of death. When he looks to be strong, it doesn’t make sense to become weak. Should he desire to build, it is not in him to tear down and destroy. He will not root out when his desire is to plant and bring forth a great harvest. His general idea is to improve upon and add to that which he already has.

God’s thoughts, however, are different. His thoughts are not man’s thoughts, and His ways are not man’s ways. God’s thoughts and ways are foolishness to the carnal minded man. That is why many look upon those in His dark pavilions as having missed the mark. More than a few who seek after all those things that entice the Gentiles (Mat 6:31-34), believe God has been angered and is measuring out His wrath upon those who are under the shadow of death.

Nevertheless, when I am weak He is strong. Jesus became poor that we, His body, might become rich. God told Jeremiah that before he could build or plant he had to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down (Jer 1: 10).

For Jesus to become the Lion of the tribe of Judah, He had to be led in humility as a sheep to the slaughter (Acts 8:32). Before all men could drink of the River of Life, He had to empty Himself. He divested Himself of authority so He could come forth with greater authority. In death, He ceased from the Father’s works so greater works could be done by those of His corporate Body. He sounded no alarm for his followers and legions of angels to defend Him. He opened not His mouth. Rather than robing Himself in glory, He submitted to the humility of being stripped naked. He could have taken His rightful place upon Earth’s throne, but relinquished it to endure the pain of being nailed to the cross (not a likely seat of majesty, honor, and authority).

Jesus could have ascended in glory upon mount Zion; but rather, with plucked beard, beaten back, face marred beyond recognition, He climbed shamefully upon the hill of Golgotha. Rather than taking His position as the anointed King of kings, He emptied Himself and became the servant of all. The richest man in the universe became the poorest of all, having no place to lay His head. He was such a man that the grandest shrine to His honor would pale in the presence of His dead body; yet a tomb had to be borrowed for His burial. Even at His birth, the palace chambers with midwives were not for Him — a borrowed stable was His delivery room, and the animals’ feed-trough took the place of a feather-down bed. He was not born in the midst of great men who would marvel at His majesty, but among the beasts of burden. They were his companions in birth, and throughout his life such were also his friends. Oh, the wonder of it all! Out of Darkness came forth the Mystery of the ages — the Light of the world!

He was crucified in the weakness of flesh as the son of man, but "He was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom 1:4). Where men destroy their enemies by killing them, Jesus destroyed the devil through His own death. What a paradox! To the natural mind it doesn’t make sense. But who would ascribe God as having a natural mind?

Seeing, therefore, that Jesus became weak and suffered the death of the cross that we would live — can we expect it to be different with us? Are the servants greater than the Master? It is unlikely. Paul spoke of the difficult road that we where to walk: "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, being made CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (Phil 3:10-11).

Day by day, the written word is opening to us in this area. It is becoming alive by the Spirit of revelation. It is also becoming increasingly clear that our lives are bearing it out. There are three things we see transpiring today: 1) The letter declares these truths, 2) the Spirit is quickening them to us, and 3) we daily walk it out. Who can deny such a thing, especially when that which is written and revealed to us becomes a reality?

In relation to the hardships we endure while in Tabernacles, Paul said: "For we that are in this TABERNACLE (tabernacle: skenos, a hut or temporary residence, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance) do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now He that hath wrought us for THE SELFSAMEthing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit." (2 Cor 5:4-5). What a paradox — while in Tabernacles, HUTS if you will, we groan, we are burdened — and for what purpose? That we might be clothed upon by a glorious body, that mortality might be swallowed up of life! God wrought us, He made us, He called us to endure THE SAME SUFFERING as Jesus so we could be arrayed in the same glorious garment of life.

Again, it doesn’t make sense to the natural mind that one must die to live, weep before he can laugh, know sorrow to be filled with joy, to be humiliated to be lifted up, to become naked to be clothed upon, to know darkness to come forth as Light. Paradoxes, yes, but true, nevertheless.

Today, rather than large assemblies of God’s anointed being gathered, we are dwelling in booths, alone, individually. No wonder we don’t see those with a vision drawing together and trying to get something going, and the ones who try, fail. More than a handful of people meeting in one place for any length of time is a rarity. The simple truth is, it is the season of TABERNACLES, BOOTHS, HUTS! Until Tabernacles is over, we will remain alone. And it matters not if we are attending meetings or not — if we are in the Feast of Tabernacles, we will still be alone with God in His Dark Pavilion.

On the other hand, if you are caught up in the latest moves of God, so called, and the excitement of large crowds is where you find your "life," you are not in Tabernacles. Such things are the very opposite of this solemn Feast of the Lord. Some of what we see is, no doubt, of God — but it is not the Feast of Tabernacles, of which the Sons of God are now partaking.

We have long touted the fact that we are the anointed Sons of God; but our understanding of this anointing has been lacking. We had assumed it was the anointing of life and power, the anointing to rule and reign, the anointing to do exploits and to raise the dead, and this is not altogether wrong. For God hath wrought us for the selfsame life and power of Jesus. However, He not only made us for the selfsame life, but also the selfsame death. We see this anointing when the woman anointed Jesus with a precious ointment from an alabaster box — and the anointing was on behalf of HIS DEATH, of which Jesus said was good and was for HIS BURIAL! (rf. Matt 26:7,10,12).

Do we want the power of resurrection in our lives? Then let us receive the anointing of death. We don’t have to enjoy it but can endure it as our Lord before us — "...The Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him ENDURED THE CROSS, despising the shame" (Heb 12:2). Let us, therefore, rejoice for the joy that is set before us while being swept over with the cloud of death.

Do we want to reside with God in His glorious Temple? Then praise Him with all our hearts while in Tabernacles, while we abide in these temporary huts of humility. For it is in that season our burnt offerings are made. This is when the renewing of our minds is made and our transformation comes. Before we rise into the heavens which we are destined to rule, we must first descend into hell. Its dominion of darkness will embrace us sorely, this is sure, yet it can neither hold us nor destroy us. After it has worked its purpose, we shall turn and command it. We shall ascend with power and dominion over death, hell, and the grave.

We can now see why Paul could say — "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in MY INFIRMITIES, that THE POWER OF CHRIST may rest upon me"(2 Cor 12:9b). To enforce his conviction of this truth, our Lord told him — "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My STRENGTH is made perfect in WEAKNESS" (2 Cor 12:9a). It was Paul who also wrote — "But God hath chosen THE FOOLISH THINGS of the world to confound THE WISE; and God hath chosen THE WEAK THINGS of the world to confound THE THINGS WHICH ARE MIGHTY"(1 Cor 1:27). Therefore, my friends, if you happen to be among those who are acquainted with the bitter waters of grief, and the pavilion of darkness has been your place for seven days, take heart — you will shine on the morrow.
 
 

"The people which sat in darkness saw GREAT LIGHT; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death Light is sprung up" (Mat 4:16). At various times we all have sat in darkness. Our first darkness was that of the world. It lasted until we saw the Great Light of Jesus Christ. Our souls were filled with unspeakable joy when He came forth into our lives as our Savior. He was as a warm summer’s dawn. We were delivered from the power of darkness, and set into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col 1:13). Most of us joined ourselves to a church of some sort, wherein we were blessed for a season. Those confines satisfied, but not for very long. Where we had once known freedom and had seen light, darkness soon squeezed tightly about us.

Our quest for life was calling us to be free, and it was not long that we saw again His Great Light, and to our surprise, it was not in the church where we presumed it had to be. It was in us, in our own hearts and mouths (Rom 10:8-9). It was in the same place we first saw it.

With this new light shining, we tried to remain and share it with our friends, yet we found this to be futile. Not only that, the longer we stayed attached to ‘our’ church, the dimmer the light grew and the lonelier we became. The sweet, and sometimes not so sweet, people could not provide that for which our souls hungered. It was then that many of us took a leap of faith and left the protection of our ‘coverings’, so called. Once again the light shined brightly and illumined our pathway. We had no idea where it would lead; but we knew we could not remain in the stagnation of darkness to which the church system had descended. Our exodus was a must in order to continue our search for life, and life more abundant, as Jesus said He would give. Out of darkness we came. We were truly Mysteries from Darkness.

We had not, however, expected to leave one darkness for another. This was not in our vision. We could see in a vague way the grand things that pertained to Sonship; but what lay between us and our destiny was out of sight. The farther we walked, the more things changed, and they have not always been pleasant. And now, rather than in the midst of manifested glory, we find ourselves secured in God’s pavilion of darkness. Even so, there is the true Light that still brightens our days within. Outwardly, the dark waters and thick clouds may cover us over; but inwardly, we persevere and hold fast to that which is Life.

Many of us know the pain of sorrow, anguish, and longsuffering. They weigh heavily upon us at times. In the heat of the day, or the cold of the night, there seems to be little hope as the fierce winds taunt us, and the waves of the storm beat relentlessly upon the eroding shoreline of our lives. But let us rest assured, fellow hut dwellers — although "weeping endures for a night, joy cometh in the morning" (Psa 30:5). Jesus will "Give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79).

We may presently be in the shadow of death. Maladies and ongoing traumas may be very real; but as this seventh day of Tabernacles draws to a close, we can rejoice. The Great Light of our Lord shall guide our feet into the way of peace. It matters not if our minds bodies are racked with pain, the truth is, our eye is single. With our eye being single our whole body is full of light (Luke 11:34). And this hidden light within the pavilion, if it has not already done so, will guide our feet into the way of peace.

Although the pavilion of darkness is not pleasant, and there is much suffering in its confines, we are not forsaken. Darkness may shroud us on all sides, yet we are blessed. When it seems that our frail ships will sink in these fierce storms, our Lord’s presence insures safe passage. Many of us can already say that in the face of overwhelming circumstances — we have His perfect peace that passes all understanding. We do not complain, but rejoice always. Although we are compassed about by adversities, inwardly we do not walk in darkness. We have the light of Life (John 8:12).

Those lacking insight to why we are dwelling in makeshift huts will be quick and ready comforters. But their comfort will be akin to the comfort Job’s friends gave to him. If, however, they took the words of Paul to heart, they would be a little more at ease. He said: "But with me: yea, it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both WILL BRING TO LIGHT the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God" (1 Cor 4:3-5).

Brethren, it appears to me, that whether the things hidden are those evil things of the world (John 3:20), or they are like Paul, God’s chosen vessels — when it is time for the Lord to bring them forth — every man will praise God. The manifestation of Christ in men’s lives works this way. When an evil man’s heart is made bare by the light of Jesus, and His fire burns it clean, he shall praise God. And especially with those whose hearts are fixed upon Him. They shall praise Him. His light will penetrate the darkness of their suffering as He lifts them out of the strange place of God’s dark pavilion.

To be reminded: "He made darkness His secret place; His pavilion round about Him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies" (Psa 18:11). We are in God’s secret place. There is no doubt about it. We abide in His pavilion of dark waters and thick clouds. This is sure. Brethren, we are HIDDEN! But praise God — we will not remain hidden forever! For He WILL BRING TO LIGHT the hidden things of darkness. He will manifest the counsel of our hearts, whether of good or of evil. Since our eye is single (It is, isn’t it?), the counsel of our hearts shall manifest good. These burnt offerings that we are shall come forth as light into a world of darkness. That is what we have to look forward to, to be brought forth as light into a dark world.

This is the light that shall discover (uncover) the forests, and by it everyone in the temple of God will declare His glory (Psa 29:9). All the hidden things of the world, all those things covered over by man’s own righteousness and religious rituals (fig leaves), shall be exposed.

There are a few things that will strip a forest naked. The lack of rain will cause it to dry up and die. The icy chill of winter will rid broad-leaf trees of their covering. It takes more for the evergreen trees, those people who never change and seem to be everlasting in their self-willed ways. FIRE will strip them clean. Regardless of what it takes to expose man for what he is, God will make sure it is done. And as those in His temple praise Him, it will ultimately cause every soul to praise in like manner (1 Cor 4:5).

The gates of hell shall not prevail against this great exodus from the shadow of death. None can prevent God’s mysteries from coming out of darkness: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6). Huts of darkness may be our temporary living quarters; but we are not of the darkness."We are the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness" (1 Thes 5:5).

In this pavilion of dark days, we may wonder on occasion how we can possibly make it to our destination. Remember, we are not of the night, but of the day, and when His candle shines upon our heads, and when His light illumines our way — we walk through the darkness (Job 29:3).

At times our sight is diminished, especially when afflicted. The enemy seems to prevail against us as he plows through our lives. Deep furrows are made upon our backs, as it were; yet these days will not last forever, and the wounds will heal. Furthermore, we know our LORD is righteous, and He will cut the cords that bind us tight (Psa 129:1-4).

The Spirit in us refuses to relinquish. It won’t give up, for it rests neither day nor night until it brings us forth form darkness and into the full habitation of our mighty God and Father of spirits.

There is a time and season for everything, and we are now living in the time of being hidden in GOD’S PAVILION of Darkness. And there is the season of being unseen and protected in the secret of His tabernacle.Yet there is also the time when He shall set us up upon a Rock (Psa 27:5). And I can tell you, brethren, anyone who is UPON THE ROCK of Christ is no longer hidden! They are in plain view. They can be seen from great distances. At this setting, the seven days of Tabernacles are over. Hence — the manifestation of the Sons of God!

In the closing hours of Tabernacles, we hear David’s words echoing down through the ages and into our own hearts: "O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. MAKE US GLAD according to the days wherein THOU HAST AFFLICTED US, and the years wherein WE HAVE SEEN EVIL. Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it" (Psa 90:14-17).

Elwin R. Roach
 

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