Ignorance is the state in which one lacks knowledge, is unaware of something or chooses to subjectively ignore information. This is in contrast to light and revelation. Darkness first appears in the 2nd verse of the Bible:
Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters
Darkness is not the opposite of light, it is the absence of light, it is nothingness. Light fills the void of understanding and in Scripture, light or revelation is key to progressing as a pleasing son of Our Heavenly Father. When a person’s understanding is darkened, he or she is apt to exist in the subterfuge of illusion created in the mind. This departure from reality can have dire consequences to the individual as well as the loved ones and community in general. Darkness brings forth gluttony and rebellion. Today gluttony is known as “addiction”. Addiction takes on many forms and is best known as drug addiction related to alcohol and pharmaceuticals, and sex. I would suggest that addiction would also include the quest for money and power and is found in all corners of society. It is insidious by nature and is as subtle as the serpent itself. ‘”Addicts” use misrepresentation, subtlety, and manipulation to feed their addiction. This addiction is centered in the goat-like ego and causes double-mindedness and in turn, instability. This instability will result in death and destruction thereby leaving in its wake grief and sorrow.
Rebellion is a blatant and defiant act of disobedience. What always amazes me is when someone openly rejects the GOD of Heaven and Earth as though they have all the revelation and understanding above and beyond everyone else! This is an act of exalting oneself above the Creator and is the formula for receiving an intense, corrective interview by Our Heavenly Father. Sustained rebellion is not tolerated in the oneness of the universe that was created in the beginning by the Word of the Lord God Almighty. King Saul was selected by Our Heavenly Father to rule Israel for a period of time. However, he became blinded by his own power to the point of rebellion in his calling and anointing; also known as witchcraft:
1Samuel 15:23 For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou (King Saul) hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king
Rebellion to Divine authority evokes rejection and dismissal of your position or calling. This is a serious issue for the fruitfulness mandate will be carried out by someone, somehow, but if you fail to bring forth fruit, you will be replaced by one who will.
In Deuteronomy 4:11, the mountain where Moses was to receive revelation from Our Heavenly Father was engulfed in “thick” darkness. The people had spent the last few hundred years in bondage and had no revelation of Spiritual matters. Thick darkness separated them from Our Heavenly Father, His Love, and His Law. His Light was separated from them by thick darkness and they had the inability to see Him. Only Moses would ascend the mountain and be engulfed in the light and revelation of Our Heavenly Father to the point where his face would shine as an outward sign of receiving the revelation of Our Heavenly Father.
Job 12:22 "He (Our Heavenly Father) reveals mysteries from the darkness And brings the deep darkness into light”
Our focus must be to have the darkness of our understanding replaced with the revelation of the Word of GOD. Any other pursuit is temporal and will not fill the void where the darkness resides. Addiction may provide temporary relief only to have its shackles strengthened. The quest for power and authority even if it is the quest for being one of the “elect” can cause darkness to prevail, being ever so subtle. Our focus should be reduced to the point of simply having a close relationship with Our Heavenly Father and at His good pleasure, he will exalt us into our calling. In His Presence is Love and light and there is no darkness of understanding. The following passage reveals the result of moving into “light” or revelation away from the “darkness of understanding”:
Psalm 112:1-10
PRAISE the LORD!
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honor.
The wicked will see it and be grieved;
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked shall perish.