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Daniel 12:3 - Shining for Jesus!

Daniel 12:3 (NIV) Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

INTRODUCTION

Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. God tells us how we can be eternal "stars" - by being wise and leading many to God's righteousness. If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars - radiantly beautiful in God's sight! [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Star Light, Star Bright
   The Summer Triangle is a grouping of three stars located in the Northern Hemisphere. These three stars each belong to a different constellation: Vega is from Lyra, Altair from Aquila, and Deneb from Cygnus. All three are first-magnitude stars, the brightest stars in our sky; each is also the brightest star in its respective constellation. Before the advent of the GPS, the Summer Triangle was known as the Navigator's Triangle and used even by the military on missions.
   God compares His people to three different heavenly lights. In today's promise, they are described as shining "like the stars" and "like the brightness of the firmament," or sky. In Matthew 13:43, Jesus adds that "the righteous will shine forth as the sun" Like our Example Jesus Christ, "the Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2). God's people are to represent Christ to the world by "[being] like Him" (1 John 3:2).
   Like the star that guided the wise men to Jesus (Matthew 2:1, 2, 9, 10), God's people are to guide others to Christ. We are to be as the Navigator's Triangle on a spiritual mission, navigating others into a saving relationship with Christ. In fact, the original Hebrew word for "wise" in today's verse also means "to teach." By wise instruction, we are to "turn many to righteousness."
   At times, soul-winning is difficult work, especially with the devil dogging our every step (1 Peter 5:8). But let today's promise give you encouragement: If you're shining like Christ, your labor is making an impact; the world cannot help but see your character. Moreover, Christ ensures that your witness for Him will shine "forever and ever."
   Heavenly Father, teach me to walk "the path of the just[,] ... that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

COMMENTARY

The converted soul lives in Christ. His darkness passes away, and a new and heavenly light shines into his soul. "He that winneth souls is wise." "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." What is done through the co-operation of men with God is a work that shall never perish, but endure through the eternal ages. He that makes God his wisdom, that grows up into the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus, will stand before kings, before the so-called great men of the world, and show forth the praises of Him who hath called him out of darkness into His marvelous light. Science and literature cannot bring into the darkened mind of men the light which the glorious gospel of the Son of God can bring. The Son of God alone can do the great work of illuminating the soul. No wonder Paul exclaims, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." The gospel of Christ becomes personality in those who believe, and makes them living epistles, known and read of all men. In this way the leaven of godliness passes into the multitude. The heavenly intelligences are able to discern the true elements of greatness in character; for only goodness is esteemed as efficiency with God. FE199-200

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Daniel 12:3 - REAL STARS
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220704-0821.html

Matthew 5:14-16 - Shining for Jesus!
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220113-0822.html

Isaiah 60:1 - ARISE AND SHINE!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210121-0944.html

Proverbs 4:18 - Growing In Christ Is Like The Light Of Dawn Increasing to Noon Day.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20150123-1127.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/