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.
Daniel 12:3 (NIV)
Devo Text:
Sarah’s hands trembled as she handed the worn Bible to her grandson, Jack. “This was your great-grandfather’s,” she said softly. “He received it from a stranger on a bus in 1952.” Jack opened it carefully, finding a faded note inside. It read: ‘May this Word light your path. – Tom.’ Sarah continued, her eyes glistening, “That conversation with Tom changed everything. Your great-grandfather came to faith that day, and it’s why our family knows Jesus now.” Jack marveled, realizing that a simple act of evangelism decades ago had shaped the eternal destiny of generations. As he looked up at the night sky through the window, the stars seemed to twinkle with new significance.
This story beautifully illustrates the profound truth found in Daniel 12:3: “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.” It’s a vivid picture of the enduring impact of sharing the gospel.
The Hebrew word for “shine” here is “zahar,” which carries the idea of sending out light, of illuminating. It’s not a reflected glow, but an emanating brilliance. When we share the gospel, we’re not merely reflecting Christ’s light; we’re becoming sources of divine illumination ourselves.
Consider for a moment the implications of shining “like the stars for ever and ever.” Stars outlast generations, civilizations, even entire galaxies. Their light continues to travel through space long after they’ve burned out. In the same way, the impact of your evangelism efforts extends far beyond what you can see or imagine in this lifetime. Sarah never knew how a simple act of sharing a Bible would impact generations of Tom’s family.
C.S. Lewis, the renowned author and Christian apologist, captured this eternal perspective beautifully when he wrote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Every person you encounter is an eternal being whose destiny hangs in the balance. Your words, your actions, your willingness to share the gospel could be the catalyst that leads them to eternal life.
Think about the ripple effect of one person coming to faith. They, in turn, may lead others to Christ, who lead still others, creating a chain reaction of salvation that spans generations. Your one act of evangelism could be the start of a spiritual lineage that impacts thousands for eternity.
But here’s the thing: this eternal impact isn’t reserved for the Billy Grahams or Mother Teresas of the world. The verse speaks of “those who lead many to righteousness,” not just famous evangelists or missionaries. Every believer has the potential to shine eternally through their evangelistic efforts.
Remember the five smooth stones David chose to face Goliath? He only needed one. In the same way, you may not see every seed you plant come to fruition, but God can use even one of your efforts to bring about eternal change in someone’s life.
Moreover, the promise of shining like the stars isn’t just about future rewards. It speaks to the transformation that occurs in us as we engage in evangelism. As we step out in faith to share the gospel, we grow in wisdom and righteousness ourselves. We begin to shine more brightly even now, reflecting Christ’s light more clearly to those around us.
D.L. Moody, the 19th-century American evangelist, once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him.” What if you were that person? What if you allowed the reality of your eternal impact to motivate you to share your faith boldly and consistently?
Godseekers, I urge you to embrace this eternal perspective. Every conversation, every invitation, every act of love done in Jesus’ name has the potential for eternal significance. Don’t underestimate the power of your witness. You may never fully know the impact of your evangelism efforts in this lifetime, but one day, you’ll shine like the stars, a testament to the lives touched and souls won for Christ through your faithfulness. Your words today could be the faded note in someone’s Bible generations from now, a testament to a legacy of faith that you started.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of partnering with You in the work of evangelism. Help us to grasp the eternal significance of sharing Your gospel. Give us courage to speak, wisdom to act, and love to motivate us. May we be faithful in planting and watering seeds of faith, trusting You for the growth. Use us, Lord, to lead many to righteousness, that we might shine for Your glory for all eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Personal Reflection
- How does the story of Tom and Sarah’s family change your perspective on the long-term impact of sharing your faith?
- In what ways can you be more intentional about creating “ripple effects” of faith in your sphere of influence?
Step of Faith
This week, choose one person in your life who doesn’t know Christ. Commit to praying for them daily and look for an opportunity to share your faith with them, whether through words or actions. Consider giving them a Bible or a Christian book with a personal note inside. As you do, remind yourself of the eternal impact this could have. Journal about your experience, noting any changes in your own heart and attitude as you focus on the eternal significance of evangelism. Remember, you’re not just sharing a message; you’re participating in an eternal legacy that will shine like the stars forever.
