Thought For The Week

To appreciate Day 3, let’s recap the first two days. On Day 1, God created the heavens—both the spiritual “heaven of heavens” (Nehemiah 9:6), home to angels, and the physical universe. Angels watched in awe (Job 38:4-7) as God formed the earth, a dark, water-covered sphere. He spoke light into existence—not yet the sun or stars, but a divine light that separated day from night, marking the first evening and morning. Without an atmosphere, the earth’s surface waters likely froze into a global ice sphere in the frigid vacuum of space (-457°F).

On Day 2, God created the expanse, or atmosphere, separating the waters above from those below. This gaseous layer, possibly formed from the seas themselves, rose beneath the ice, creating a breathable space. Water levels lowered, but no land appeared yet. Curiously, Day 2 is the only day God doesn’t declare “good,” suggesting this process may have continued into Day 3. These acts set the stage for the dramatic transformation we see next.

On Day 3, God performs two monumental acts, each declared “good.” We’ll focus on the first: gathering the waters to reveal dry land, forming earth and seas. Imagine the earth as a watery orb, its surface hidden beneath waves. God speaks, and the waters gather into one place, unveiling dry land. Unlike today’s world, with its seven seas and scattered continents, Genesis suggests a single ocean and, possibly, a single supercontinent—a unified landmass surrounded by water. The Hebrew word for “appear” implies the land was already present, created on Day 1 but concealed beneath the waters, now made visible by God’s command.

How did this happen? Perhaps the land rose, or the waters receded as the atmosphere continued forming from Day 2’s process. The seas’ materials might have fueled the growing expanse, lowering water levels until land emerged. Either way, this was no ordinary geological event. It was a supernatural act, far beyond the slow processes we observe today. As Isaiah 45:18 (NASB) proclaims, God “formed the earth and made it… not a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited.” Every action reflects His purposeful design, preparing a stage for life.

Let’s pause to consider the scale of God’s work. The creation week isn’t business as usual—it’s a series of unique, one-time acts. Genesis 2:1-3 (NASB) tells us, “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed… By the seventh day God completed His work… and He rested… from all His work which He had created and made.” This rest doesn’t mean God abandoned the world but that He finished His extraordinary acts of creation—bringing matter, energy, and eventually life into existence from nothing. These events, unobserved by humans, were witnessed by angels (Job 38:4-7) and God Himself, who saw that it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

The apostle Peter reinforces this in 2 Peter 3:4-5 (NASB), warning against scoffers who say, “all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” They assume today’s natural processes explain the past, a view called uniformitarianism. But Peter corrects them: “by the word of God the heavens existed… and the earth was formed out of water and by water.” The creation was a supernatural act, spoken into existence by God’s command. This truth challenges the materialistic worldview that denies the supernatural, urging us to trust God’s Word over human speculation.

Day 3’s first act—forming earth and seas—shows God’s intentionality. Unlike the modern world’s fragmented continents and seas, the original earth may have had one ocean and one landmass, a design suited for its initial purpose. This aligns with Isaiah 45:18’s declaration that God created the earth to be inhabited. The gathering of waters and the appearance of dry land set the foundation for what’s to come: vegetation, animals, and humanity. God’s every move is purposeful, crafting a world to sustain His creation.

This transformation also hints at a deeper theological truth. The earth, once formless and covered in water, mirrors the chaos of the pre-creation state (Genesis 1:2). God’s act of gathering waters and revealing land brings order, preparing the earth for life. This pattern of order from chaos is a hallmark of God’s creative power, seen throughout Scripture and in our lives today.

What does Day 3 teach us? First, it reveals God’s ability to transform chaos into order. Just as He shaped a formless earth into a structured world, He can bring purpose to our struggles, fears, or uncertainties. When life feels overwhelming—like a flood covering everything—God can gather the waters, revealing solid ground beneath our feet. Second, it shows His intentionality. Every step in creation prepares the earth for life, just as God prepares us for His calling, shaping us with care.

Reflect this week: Where do I need God’s transforming power? Perhaps it’s a strained relationship, a financial burden, or a season of doubt. Trust that the God who formed the earth can reshape your circumstances. Ask: How can I rest in His purposeful design? Like the land that “appeared” by His word, your breakthrough may already be prepared, waiting for His timing to be revealed.

Day 3 of creation invites us to stand in awe of our Creator. By gathering the waters and revealing dry land, God set the stage for life, demonstrating His power and purpose. Next time, we’ll explore Day 3’s second act—the creation of vegetation, the first living things. For now, let’s worship the God who speaks, and the world obeys. May we trust Him to shape our lives with the same care He showed the earth.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we marvel at Your power to shape the earth and prepare it for life. Thank You for bringing order to chaos, both in creation and in our lives. Help us trust Your purpose, even when we face uncertainty. Shape us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.