The Wise Will Shine Like the Stars
“ 1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.””
Daniel 12 contains Daniel’s final vision and God’s revelation about the end times, closely connecting with Revelation in the New Testament. However, the focus is not on knowing the exact time of the end but on living faithfully today. More important than predicting the last days is the question: How do we live by faith now?
Daniel 12 speaks of a time of great distress when people will be divided—some for salvation and others for judgment. The wise, who follow the path of faith, will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. This is the calling given to all believers today. In a world of spiritual confusion, it is essential to live rightly according to the wisdom of knowing God. Instead of fearing the end, true faith is about becoming more like Christ and revealing Him through our lives.
At our church, Daniel 12:3 is engraved on the streetlight in front of our building, symbolizing our mission to be the light of the world. Through worship, service, and sharing the gospel, we fulfill our highest calling. May God grant our church and congregation the grace to shine as His faithful witnesses.
Prayer: Lord, You have said that the wise and those who lead others to righteousness will shine like the stars. May we hold onto this hope and live by faith. As we navigate the last days, help us to stay awake in our calling—to worship, serve, love, and guide others in Your truth. Strengthen our faith through trials, and establish our church as a beacon of Your light. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)