By David R. Ferguson
One of my favorite passages from the Book of Daniel is the following: “Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
Usually around the holidays it is not uncommon to hear commercials enticing you to name a star after yourself or a loved one. Did you know you can view a star, register a star in your name, and receive it as a gift for only $34.95? There’s a better way, and it actually costs $34.95 less. With this plan, you can be a star instead of just renting one. When we access the insight of the righteousness that comes from God, and lead many to righteousness, then we can be a star in God's galaxy. And as one of His stars you can shine on leading others with the light to the saving Light that is found in Jesus Christ.
From the beginning, light has been associated with the Presence and the glory of God. His first recorded words were, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). And at His command light burst forth into the darkness of a formless and empty world. In John chapter 1 Jesus is described as the Light that “shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” And Christ’s own words in John 8:12 were, “I am the Light of the world.”
A burning bush signaled God’s Presence to Moses. God led the children of Israel by fire at night. A golden lampstand was to burn perpetually in the Holy Place of God’s Tabernacle and Temple, and a shining star led the wise men to the Christ Child. These are just a few of many examples throughout the Bible.
In His first recorded sermon, Jesus tells His followers, “You are the light of the world,” just as He referred to Himself. We are intended as lights of the world to illuminate and give light to others. There is a wonderful example of this in nature – the Sun and Moon. The Moon has no light of its own. The source of its light is the Sun, which it reflects, causing it to appear to have light. In the same way, we have no light apart from Christ. We can, however, reflect Him and shine in the darkness of the world. We need to realize that this world is dark with sin and people need us as Christians to shine. As we look around at all the school shootings, the drugs, the crime, the constant and never-ending wars, and the diluting of the family we are reminded of how there are people hurting all around the world. People need the Lord and they need hope. We as children of God can give that to them if we just live as a shining example of Christ. We cannot keep Christ to ourselves. We have to flood the world with His Light! Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in Heaven.”
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