BIBLE LESSON 4

TYPES AND METAPHORES

THE SUN & MOON

Genesis 1:14-19

INTRODUCTION:

There is nothing more wonderful to enjoy than a beautiful sunrise or sunset. On a dark night, a full moon rising, bigger than life, is always a welcome comfort, and delightful to enjoy.

Let’s pause for a few moments and consider how the sun and moon as lights illustrate the very character and work of the Lord Jesus Christ who created them. There are many ways in which they reflect upon Him as their author and creator and bear His image.

1. They both are heavenly bodies- v. 14 “Let there be lights in the firmament”

Although the earth benefits from their warmth and light, yet the sun and the moon are in the heavens, high above men and creatures.

So the Lord Jesus Christ is from heaven, and dwells in heaven, whose name is above every name and unsearchable-

He is the Lord from heaven- 1 Cor. 15:47

He is came from heaven- Romans 10:6

His reigns from heaven- Philippians 2:10

He is the Master in heaven- Colossians 4:1

His authority is over heaven and earth- I Peter 3:22

2. They both are sources of light- v. 15 “Let them be for lights”

The sun gives light and heat to the earth. Without it, how great would be the coldness and darkness! The moon derives all her light from the sun and reflects her light on the earth. No sooner has the sun gone down than the moon rises, reflecting the sun’s beams back on the dark world. Both remain unchangeable as sources of light and are only hidden from view by blindness or dark clouds.

The sun is a beautiful symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the moon a striking resemblance of the church, His body reflects the light of Christ- John 8:12.

He is called the Sun of Righteousness- Malachi 4:2

All things orbit around Him

It is only from him that everything else derives its light

When He blesses there is healing and gladness.

His first coming into the world is referred to as a sunrise- Luke 1:78

Just as the sunrise disperses the darkness, so Christ revealed in the heart by regeneration dispels the darkness of sin there- Cf. Eph. 4:18 with 2 Pet. 1:19.

His coming again at the end of time is described as a bright and never-ending day of glory- Revelation 21:23 and 22:5

3. They both rule over the earth and affect times and seasons- vv. 16-18- “And to rule over the day and over the night.”

Winter, spring, summer, and fall/Tides and temperatures, all are affected by the influence of the sun and moon. The word “to rule” in the text means have dominion, government and power- Psalm 104:19-24

The Christ of Scripture, like the Sun and Moon, is sovereign over all

He is none other than God Himself- Hebrews 1:3

God the Father has placed all judgment into His hands- John 5:22

The various times and seasons of life are by His appointment- Acts 17:26

CONCLUSION:

Sinners, being idolatrous by nature, would rather worship the creature rather than the creator. “Sunday” is named after a supposed “Sun god.” “Easter” and “Christmas” are holidays that have developed out of pagan holidays of spring and winter solstice.

God specifically warned the children of Israel not to be given over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars, but to worship God alone, their Creator- Deuteronomy 4:19. The same warning is given to everyone in Romans 1:19-23.

The Lord Jesus Christ alone is worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory, and is the object of ALL the glory for His people- Colossians 1:12-19.

Apparent