“And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth”: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19 (KJV)
Up to the moment God spoke, darkness had ruled the physical universe. Day four of Divine creativity explains the illumination. First, light accounts for the movement of time (i.e., seasons, days, years). The regular recurrence of day-and-night is the natural sign that time is steadily moving onward. This is to be a sign of instruction. Second, the light illuminates the sky. Third, the light illuminates the earth. And we would naturally think of death and life; sin and salvation. Fourth, the light rules continuously. Fifth, the light serves as a separating marker.
But then what does the light look like? It functions in three forms: the sun, the moon, and the stars. Light for day when humanity works, lives, and plays. Light for night when rest occurs. Stars to inspire, remind, and guide. This triune function of light would naturally point us toward the three persons in the Trinity.
And what is the purpose of the light? The light instructs. The light rules. The light separates. Light rules! Darkness is defeated! Light’s authority and power is continuous, day and night. God’s message of hope and salvation inscribed in his creative acts of day four should make us all shout his praises. Hallelujah to his holy name!
Dear Father, thank you for the Light and the hope he brings. Empower us to reflect the light of salvation to others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,