Lights Will Guide You Home: How the Fourth Day of in Creation Fixes Our Eyes On Christ's Ascension (

October 22, 2023 • David Schrock • Genesis 1:14–19

Christ rose from the dead on the third day, according to the Scriptures. But according to the Scriptures, what happened on the “fourth day”?

On Sunday, we are going to take up that question and look at Genesis 1:14–19, which tells us that the lights in the heavens were made on the fourth day. And taking our cues from the rest of the Bible, we are going to see what this day of creation tells us about the world and the One who made the world.

Indeed, as the world shakes around us, we need to see that God rules over all things. On Day 4, he created the greater and lesser lights to rule the day and the night. And we need to see how the Creator of light is also the Ruler of rulers. Indeed, this is evident in Genesis 1, but in the fulness of time it is even more apparent as we behold Christ seated at God’s right hand. Indeed, as I will argue, the fourth day leads us to see Christ’s ascension and rule over all creation.

Yet, to understand how that works, we will need to look carefully at Genesis 1, as well as the books of Isaiah, Joel, Luke and Acts. To prepare for Sunday, take time to pray for God to shine his light on us. Read Genesis 1and if you have time, read Genesis 37, Isaiah 13, and Joel 2. Keep an eye out for the sun, moon, and stars, and ask––how does Genesis 1 inform the rest of redemptive history? This Sunday we will consider that very point.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to worshiping God with you on Sunday. It was a joy to bring greetings to Arlington Baptist Church last week, but it will be better to be home again. I hope to see you at OBC on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions: Genesis 1:14–19

How does Day 4 (Gen. 1:14–19) fit with the rest of Genesis 1?

What is the relationship between God’s light, the light in the heavens, and the lights created on Day 4?

What are the lights on Day 4 for?

Have you noticed their purpose before? How many things do we overlook in Scripture?

Is there any significance to the fact that the sun, moon, and stars are not mentioned in Genesis 1:14–19? How might this reinforce our understanding of the world before the Flood?

Where do we see the lights of heaven mentioned in Scripture? Think: Genesis 15:5; 37:5–11.

How do the Prophets speak of the sun, moon, and stars? (See Isaiah 13:9–13; Ezekiel 32:7–8; Joel 2:28–32). How does Genesis 1 help us understand those passages?

What is the connection between Day 4 and Jesus? (See Malachi 4:2; Mark 13:24–25; Luke 21:24–26; Hebrews 12:26).

If Day 3 is tied to the resurrection, and Day 4 is related to Christ's ascension (see Acts 2), what comes next for Christ? What comes next for the new creation? (Lord willing, we will see this next week).

How does knowing that Christ is ruling over all powers and principalities cause you to stand? How does his Lordship over the nations encourage you today?

What is the hope for the Christian? (See Daniel 12:1-3; Philippians 2:15).

More from Creation & Covenant: Genesis 1-3

The Way Out Reveals the Wisdom, Justice, and Mercy of God (Genesis 3:20-24)

March 3, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 1—3, Genesis 3:20–24

The Way of God: A Threefold Curse and Consolation (Gen. 3:14-19)

February 25, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:14–19

He Gets Us: Reimagining the Fallout of Adam and Eve's Sin (Gen. 3:7b-13)

February 18, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 3:7–13

Dear OBC Family, If I had to outline Genesis 3, it would fall under the following headings. Genesis 3:1–6: The Fall. Genesis 3:7–13: The Fallout. Genesis 3:14–24: The Way Out. In these three steps, we get a sense of what happens to the first man and woman. First, seeking to be wise, they became fools. They broke God’s law, ate of the fruit, and invited judgment. Yet, before death came, God came. He entered the garden to find the fallout of sin. And then, after questioning the couple, he pronounced a judgment. That judgment led to Adam and Eve’s removal from the Garden. Yet, in that good judgment, the Lord God also pronounced good news. In Genesis 3:15 he declared that salvation was coming through the woman’s seed. Next week, we’ll see that promise in full. But this Sunday we must consider the fallout of Adam’s sin and Eve’s deception. And by looking square in the face of wreckage, it will reveal much about our own sin and its effects. Wonderfully, we can approach this Garden with the full knowledge of Jesus Christ. Yet, we still need to learn afresh how heinous sin is. And so, as you prepare for Sunday, pray for God to see our sin and to hate our sin. For truly, sin is the source of all death, despair, and destruction. And yet, because we are born in Adam, we do not hate sin—our sin!—as we ought. And that is our aim for Sunday. To prepare, go ahead and read Genesis 3. You may also find it helpful if you read Matthew 6, which will be connected to Genesis 3 on Sunday. As the Lord allows, I hope to see you Sunday. For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 3:7 – 13) What does 3:8 reveal about the fellowship with God that existed prior to sin? What does this text reveal about the effects of sin upon mankind’s relationship to God? Consider Adam and Eve’s response to their shame. What is the effect of their clothing? Does clothing allow them to walk with God? God knows all things. Consider then the significance God’s questions for Adam and Eve in verses 9, 10, and 13. Why does God ask questions? In what ways do we seek to hide because of our sin? What happens when we hide? What happens when our sin is exposed? Instead of taking responsibility for sin, consider the blaming that takes place. Who is blamed? Does blaming another remove one’s responsibility? Why or why not? How does God deal with our guilt and shame in the Gospel? What does the Bible teach us about clothing? (Consider how Scripture speaks about clothing from Genesis to Revelation). How ought we to respond to this text?