Daniel 12:3 says, “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.”

Who will shine forever like the stars?

• Those who are wise: According to Daniel, the wise will shine forever.  James 3:13-18 says that those who are wise show it by their good life.  They do good deeds done with humility; are pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, impartial, sincere, and are full of mercy and good fruit. 

Can you imagine this kind of person? 

• Those who lead others to righteousness (to God):  According to Daniel, those who lead others to righteousness will shine forever.  Scripture says we’re here on earth to bear witness to Him.  Witnesses of how His grace and love can sustain us in this crazy, sinful  world.  A world filled with pain, sorrow and death.  Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from these things, but it gives us a source of power by which we can joyfully endure it. Often, our greatest witness is during these tough times.  Our witness is always greater than our words.  Often our words are nullified by our actions.

May we each be found as wise, and may we each be found as turning many to righteousness.

Adapted from a Blue Letter Bible sermon by Chuck Smith