Lights in the World
On the fourth day of creation, the sun, moon and stars were set in place–or they became visible and functional in relation to the earth at that time. “God said, ‘Let them be for lights…on the earth;’ and it was so” (Gen. 1:14-15). In other words, it did not take billions of years for the light from distant stars to reach the earth. God spoke, and it was instantly “so.” The passage also gives us a number of the functions of these heavenly bodies. The list has a literal and practical significance. But I would like to make a spiritual application to us as individual believers, who are to shine as lights in the world (Matt. 5:14-15; Eph. 5:8; Phil. 2:15).
- To divide. They are to divide day from night, and light from darkness (vs. 14, 18). Similarly, as Christians live separated, holy lives, they reveal the difference between righteousness and its opposite, and can be used by the Spirit of God to bring conviction of sin.
- To rule. They are to rule (or “govern” NIV) wherever they are (vs. 16, 18). Perhaps this suggests the Christian’s influence for good in the home, in the workplace, and so on, as the Holy Spirit uses him to restrain evil and promote what is right.
- To be lights. They are to give light on the earth (vs. 15, 17). This pictures the Christian’s calling to spread the light of the glorious gospel, so the Spirit can use him unto the salvation of the lost.
- To mark time. They are to mark “signs and seasons…days and years” (vs. 14). And the Christian, with an understanding of the times, and an awareness of the flow of Bible prophecy, can alert those around him to the approaching end, and to the urgency of responding to Christ now (Rev. 22:7, 12, 17, 20).