Daniel 12:3,10 – “Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever…
Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.”
Today’s Old Testament One Year Bible reading closes out the book of Daniel. Daniel is trying to understand future events, which are troubling to him. Angelic visitors reveal conflict among nations in the end time, but choose to withhold the specific interpretation and details of the apocalypse.
In the midst of the revelation there are promises regarding God’s people and their transition from the earthly to the eternal. Our future condition is described as shining “like the stars forever and ever.” There are three paths that lead to such a state of being.
1. Wisdom – Ah yes! That all-important “no matter what you get, get this” virtue. Wisdom! If you don’t have it, ask for it (James 1:5). I’ve always taken the approach that I don’t have as much as I probably need, therefore, it would be unwise to assume I have it…so, I’m always asking God to drench me with a liberal portion of wisdom. Wisdom leads to understanding according to our text in verse 10, something each of us needs in abundance in the days we are living in.
2. Soul-winning – This is the business of the church and every believer, isn’t it? People need to be turned to righteousness. You don’t just accept it and keep living the way you’ve been living. There is a turning, a deliberate choice to go in another direction. We must lead the way.
3. Purification – The Hebrew word for purified in verse 10 means “to brighten.” Interesting that it’s similar to verse 3. Being purified and refined is meant to cause us to shine, not to snuff out the candle of our lives. It’ a powerful take on the trials we face.
So, child of God, take heart. One day darkness will give way to the light. Choose wisdom, turn someone toward the path of righteousness, allow your trial to brighten you. After all, it’s your time to shine!