Day and Night

WRITTEN BY: DR. MICHAEL BEAU O’NEILL ON DECEMBER 3, 2023

Introduction

In the institutional realm of church congregations and ministries, where the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and communal joy prevails, a persistent and insidious force lurks in the shadows, threatening to erode the very foundations of faith. This force—darkness, deception, and death—strategically targets its victims, often working patiently over time to achieve its end. Some of the most influential and virtuous individuals have seen their flames extinguished through scandalous means that, disturbingly, are all too common. Darkness is ancient and cunning, and positions of power are prime targets. As leaders, we must heed the wisdom of J.R. Woodward in The Scandal of Leadership, remaining vigilant, striving for righteousness, and drawing from the right sources. Yet, history has repeatedly shown that humanity often disregards these lessons, continuing to fall into the traps of moral failure.

Objective

I will examine the phenomenon of redemption through a slightly less common spiritual lens, highlighting its connection to supernatural forces and the reality of spiritual warfare. By contrasting its ancient origins with its modern manifestations, I will explore pride's fleeting yet destructive role in the downfall of society and the church. Ultimately, I will indirectly echo Woodward’s soul-searching call for metanoia (changing one’s mind), or, as he describes it, The Kenotic Journey - a necessary path for individuals and faith leaders.[1]

Groundhog Day

Scandals are as universally ancient, predating time as we perceive it. Darkness makes its first appearance in the second verse of the Bible—“darkness was over the face of the deep”—and has maintained its influence for an immeasurable span of time.[2] From its earliest meanings, darkness is associated with disorder and chaos, a stark contrast to the light, which is distinctly set apart in verse 4: “God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.”[3] Notably, light is explicitly declared “good,” while darkness is not only excluded from this designation but is also intentionally separated. This distinction, I believe, lays the foundation for the ongoing spiritual war in which we all take part today.

Sidenote

In defense of darkness (which feels strange to say), it’s worth noting that the term “good” is absent on both day two and day seven. However, the chapter concludes with, “God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”[4] This raises an important question: Did God create darkness, or was it a byproduct of free will—perhaps the result of rebellion or disobedience in the heavens? My perspective is that darkness was intentionally snubbed from receiving the designation of “good.”

Regarding days two and seven, many scholars—including Oxford’s Dr. John Lennox[5]—hold the view that the revealing of the expanse was not an act of creation but one of revelation based on a clear interpretation of the scripture. This distinction is supported by the Hebrew words bara (to create) and asah (to restore, reveal, unveil, or bring forth). For example, Genesis states, “He created (bara) the heavens and the earth,” while in contrast, asah is used to describe the revealing or restoring of the expanse. Similarly, Genesis 1:28 is often misinterpreted; the King James Version uses the word “replenish” the earth, while many other translations use “fill.”

This linguistic nuance supports the idea of a pre-existing world and offers insight into the origins of darkness.

This perspective does not alter the message of the Holy Bible but instead enhances its clarity and beauty, particularly in its eternal and ethereal themes (and realms) of restoration. When examining cosmogony, we must always remember that in all existence—whether seen or unseen—there is only one true God, the Almighty, Creator of All. His wisdom, love, glory, and Spirit are the source of everything. His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, is the Word made flesh and our Redeemer, who was, is, and is to come—eternally with God from the beginning, through whom all things were made.

Warning

It’s extremely sad to see spiritual defeats of any kind, but it should also serve as a warning that we are all susceptible to the powers of the dark. Pride is a malevolent force that, in many cases, can be tied to or lead to greed and sexual misconduct. Take this source for its worth, but I googled “religious leaders who have fallen.” I was introduced to a spiritual wall of shame (or spiritual wars) of large influence in Christianity, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and others.[6] The darkness is a pervasive and destructive element that has the potential to entangle families, distract men and women in power, and allure even the most dedicated preachers and individuals working within the church. In his book, The Scandal of Leadership, JR Woodward exposes the spiritual Powers (he capitalizes them in this collective context[7]) and notes prominent figures that have succumbed to the pressure of pride, domineering leadership, and expulsion from their communities of faith.

The Scandal of Leadership

Leadership failures are heartbreaking to read about or witness on any scale. But it should come as no surprise. The shadow of domination was present in ancient scandals (Lucifer) and walks hand in hand with the Powers present today on large and small platforms. From the small congregation to the mega-church, darkness prevails in micro and macro spiritual conflicts of influence that have lasting effects on institutions and individuals for generations. JR Woodward respectfully references some of the infamous public stories (spiritual battles) in church leadership, such as Mark Driscoll and the dismantling of Mars Hill (referenced 31 times). I paused from the book to listen to the podcast recording on YouTube that was also referenced several times: Who Killed Mars Hill?[8] My initial reaction was through a lens of war, similar to a visit to Pearl Harbor or Ground Zero, but in the spiritual realm. Learning about the grand scale of Mars Hill, Willow Creek, Hillsong, or countless other multi-congregational networks that have fallen victim to similar temptation is sadly a massive blow to the unified Body of Christ. Woodward offers hope to the reader and makes his argument clear through many detailed and rational sources and perspectives that ultimately lead to “identity formation and telos” through Jesus.

“Something cool goes here.”[9]

I am deeply intrigued by cosmology, the supernatural, the origins of light and darkness, angels, demons, the divine council, the future, and the purpose behind it all. My passion is driven by awe and a desire for knowledge—seeking to communicate God’s story in simple, relatable terms. I strive to take vast, often mind-bending concepts and present them in a way that makes sense to anyone, with the sole intention of bringing clarity and glory to God’s beauty and omniscience.

What captivates me most is biblical typology, an unspoken prophecy woven into the fabric of Scripture—patterns that foreshadow both blessings and consequences. These prophetic echoes serve as powerful affirmations of biblical authenticity, strengthening faith and deepening our awe of the incredible God we serve.

Typology is both unique and consistent, a vast theme with seemingly endless examples. As I explore Scripture, I continually uncover profound connections, recognizing recurring patterns that are not only fascinating but deeply significant—always pointing back to Christ. To me, these intricate parallels bear the unmistakable fingerprint of the Holy Spirit, offering both confirmation and undeniable validity to the Bible.

As I read Woodward’s book, I cannot help but notice yet another typological parallel—between sin, the influence of spiritual powers, Satan’s fall from leadership, and the similar leadership failures we witness in the church and society today. Which brings us back to the original conversation about light and dark, good and not good, and the restoration of the world, again…

Conclusion: Light, Darkness, and the Call to Restoration

In The Scandal of Leadership, J.R. Woodward provides invaluable insights into the crisis of leadership within the church and society, a crisis echoed in the phrase from Cape Town, “leadership bankruptcy.” As David Fitch boldly states in the book’s foreword, “It is clear that the Western church of Jesus Christ is in a crisis of leadership. In the midst of devastating moral failures by church leaders of every kind, our structures of leadership have clearly betrayed us.”

This crisis is not new—it is part of a greater, ongoing spiritual war between light and darkness, seen throughout Scripture in both typology and reality. The patterns of leadership failure, moral collapse, and the corruption of power are not isolated events but manifestations of a deeper battle in both earthly and spiritual realms. Day and night, order and chaos, truth and deception—these dichotomies reveal the fundamental struggle for the soul of humanity. Yet, amidst this conflict, the overarching narrative of restoration remains.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan is one of redemption, a call to move from darkness into light. Biblical typology repeatedly points back to Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy and the means through which all things are restored. The separation of light from darkness in creation foreshadows the division between righteousness and sin. Through Christ, we see the invitation to step out of spiritual night and into His glorious day.

Woodward’s work affirms that awareness, spiritual vigilance, and a kenotic lifestyle modeled after Christ’s humility and self-sacrifice are essential for leaders and believers alike. The failures of the past serve as warnings, but they also illuminate the path forward: a return to faithfulness, integrity, and complete dependence on God’s grace.

As Romans 3:23 reminds us:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Despite our failures, God’s incomprehensible love remains steadfast, offering us redemption and restoration. The battle between light and darkness is real, but the victory is already secured in Christ. Our calling is to walk in that truth, leading with humility, resisting the forces that seek to corrupt, and reflecting God’s glory in every realm—earthly and eternal.

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[1]  Woodward, JR, The Scandal of Leadership, 431

[2]  Gen 1:2, ESV

[3] Gen 1: 4, ESV

[4] Gen 1:31, ESV

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoNTHIAkkrQ&list=TLPQMDMxMjIwMjM_r9AHSxOuIg&index=4

[6] https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/2008/09/a-gallery-of-fallen-religious-leaders.aspx

[7] Woodward, 38

[8] Who Killed Mars Hill? – Episode 1 – The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill

[9] George, Daron. Portland Seminary/George Fox University, DLGP01 Blog Bio.