Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3 AMP
Once you get away from the city's lights, you notice the vast number of stars and their brilliance. Since the dawn of time, we have gazed upward into the expansiveness of space and marveled at all those distant suns. And it is mind-boggling to consider that some of those twinkling stars have ceased to exist by the time their light reaches the earth.
In today's verse, the author of the apocalyptic book of Daniel talks about the end of days and the judgment. Those who are spiritually wise and have served as witnesses to God's everlasting light will shine.
Spiritual wisdom is a divine gift from God that enables us to comprehend His will and ways. This wisdom transcends the physical realm, rising above science and technology to understand the divine. It is a search for enlightenment of the truths deeper than our surface-level human knowledge, giving us insight into realities beyond what our senses perceive. Whereas world wisdom focuses on the "me factors" of personal gain and success, spiritual wisdom emphasizes honor and reverence to God.
In accepting Christ, we started our journey into spiritual wisdom. We continue to grow in Godly wisdom through faithful attention to spiritual discipline. What are those disciplines? The internal disciplines are most familiar: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study. There are those we practice as a church: worship, confession, prayer, and communion. But there are also external things: service to others, living simply, sharing our resources, and evangelism.
Through evangelism, our witness, we share God's light through us. It is telling our stories of deliverance with others. In straightforward, non-religious speak words, simply share how God has delivered us. But also, it's about illuminating God's light when we say nothing at all. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the gospel at all times. And if necessary, use words." Or, if you prefer, in the words of contemporary recording artist Allison Kraus, "You say it best when you say nothing at all."
As disciples, we are all stars and radiate God's light. But, we should not be content in being faint twinking stars but ones who burn with expanding brilliance. We pray for increased wisdom and for boldness and courage in sharing our light.
Almighty and Gracious Father, You impart wisdom to all who seek You. We confess we have taken the first steps in accepting Jesus as our Lord and begun to show glimmers of light but then have become stagnant, allowing our brilliance to fade. Forgive us, Lord, help us to be wise in Your ways, to carry out Your mission on this earth, and spread the Light of Your Holy Word in this dark world. Use us as examples for others. May our path reflect Your grace and the glory of Your kingdom. We pray that our actions and deeds may sow the seeds of righteousness for others. Help us to walk in Your light so that those who see us see You. Guide us to lead many to righteousness through our evangelical mission. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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