Saturday, 5^th April 2025

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: THE DARKNESS THAT REVEALED ULTIMATE LOVE

THEME SCRIPTURE: " I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight. I will turn your festivals into mourning… I will make that time like mourning for an only son” ( Amos 8:9-10, NIV)

 PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What time was God indicating He will make like mourning for an only son?

Centuries before the cross, Amos foretold a cosmic upheaval: daylight swallowed by darkness, joy crushed into grief. This was no ordinary judgment—it pointed to the death of God’s “ only son .” When Jesus hung on the cross, creation itself convulsed. At noon, darkness fell ( Mark 15:33). The Father’s heart broke as He surrendered His Son to bear the weight of human sin. This is love, not as a sentiment, but as a cost. Heaven paid everything to rescue you.  

As we reflect on this Messianic prophesy this Lent, we're confronted with the stark reality: Sin demands a price, and God chose to pay it Himself.

The darkness at Calvary was both judgment on rebellion and the unveiling of divine love. As John Stott wrote, “ The cross is the proof of God’s love and His justice .” When the world feels chaotic, Amos’ prophecy anchors us: God’s plan to redeem His people cannot be thwarted, even by death.  

The mourning Amos described was not the end. Christ’s cry, “It is finished!” ( John 19:30 ), turned despair into deliverance. The darkness was lifted; the tomb has been emptied. What Satan meant for shame, God used for salvation. “ He was pierced for our transgressions… and by His wounds we are healed” ( Isaiah 53:5).  

Practically, what can we do with this scripture this Lenten season? 

One thing we can do is to walk out of the darkness into the light.  By reading Mark 15:33-39. You can assess: “ What does Christ’s sacrifice reveal about God’s love for me?”  Are you living with guilt? Exchange your guilt for gratitude: Identify one area of shame. Pray: “ Jesus, You bore this. I receive your forgiveness. I hand over to You my burden of guilt .” Are you one freed by His love? Share the light: Today, tell one person, “ God’s love for you is proven—not by words, but by the cross. Embrace the love of God. ”

The same God who ordained the cross’s darkness walks with you in life’s shadows. 

His love is not a theory—it is a fact etched in blood and sealed by resurrection. You are truly loved. As Charles Spurgeon questioned, “ He who gave His Son for you, will He withhold anything? ” Live today awed by love so fierce it shattered death. Let His love fuel your love for others, too. “ We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ). Stand in that truth—and shine.  

God bless you more.

 FURTHER READING: Amos 8

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How much does the love of God mean to you?

2. How is His love helping you to love others?

PRAYER

Father, in the darkness of Amos’ prophecy, I see the brightness of Your love. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Where I doubt Your care, remind me: You spared no cost to save me. Let my life reflect this costly grace in Jesus's precious name. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Deuteronomy 13-14; Psalm 95;Acts 5