I thought it was interesting that the last Psalm of Ascent (134) was a night time song. In this song it mentions those who minister in the house of the Lord at night. Now I readily admit that I haven't done a whole lot of late in the night ministry, but the Lord has ministered to me in the night time hours. Isn't it interesting that many of the great stories in the Bible are set against the backdrop of night? In Genesis 32, Jacob is going to meet his brother Esau ( from whom he stole a birthright) and no doubt Jacob is very nervous about this meeting. Reconciliation is stressful, especially when you're the one that was wrong. Anyway, he wrestles all night long (verses 22-32) with an angel of the Lord. A great night scene from the bible. The next day Jacob is walking a different way with a brand new name - Israel. Night time seemed to be the best time to do this important business with the Lord. How about a night scene from the New Testament? In Mark's gospel, chapter 6:45 (ff), we find the followers of Jesus in a boat in the middle of a lake. It is night time and the disciples are "straining at the oars". They are trying to row but they are not making any progress. That can keep you up at night, can't it? You're doing all you can but not getting anywhere. I love this night scene because the Bible tells us that Jesus saw his followers and He came to the rescue. Night time can be the best time to do business with the Lord.
Rev. Daniel March actually wrote a book called, "Night Scenes from the Bible" (Copyright 1880). I haven't read the book but I have read exerpts. Here's one that I thought was compelling: "Night teaches us the solemn and fearful lesson of the individuality of our being. Far more than the day it shows us what it is to be alone with ourselves and God. It drives all the faculities and sesibilities of the soul inward upon itself. You spend a wakeful hour in darkness and in silence upon your bed at night. There is no sight to be seen, no sound to be heard. The voices of the day are hushed. The diversions and activities of busy life are removed. You have nothing to do but lie awake in the night-watches and think..."
I want to encourage you to think about God, to think about His word, to open your Bible and allow God to speak to you in the middle of the night when you are awake. To quote the Psalm again, "Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up you hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord." Night time can be the best time to do business with the Lord.
God keeps the light on for you,
Pastor Tim