The Way of the Righteous
Daniel 12:1–3
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above. Daniel 12:3

This combination of ideas—purification, refinement, spotless living, and shining with the brightness of the heavens—speaks of the actual personal righteousness of God’s elect people, which by the blessing of God inevitably leads others to believe in God and become like God themselves. It is what we are called upon to be and do as the end approaches.

Whenever the Bible speaks of the people of God shining like the stars (or whatever), it is speaking of their showing forth the character of God by their own acts of righteousness as a result of spending time with him. After Moses had spent time with God on the mountain, his face shone with a transferred brilliance—so much so that the people asked that he cover his face with a veil until the glory of God, visible in his face, should subside (Exod. 34:29–35; 2 Cor. 3:7–18). Moses revealed God’s glory as a result of having spent time with him, and this is what Paul picks up in 2 Corinthians to argue that we also are to reflect God’s glory to others.

We do not always do it well. We are like the moon. When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, the moon shines. But it does not shine by its own light. It shines only by reflecting light from the sun. Sometimes it is a full moon, and the sky is filled with light. At other times it is a new moon, barely visible. Or else it is a tiny quarter, and we cannot tell whether it is a waxing or a waning quarter. Our job is to reflect the light of God’s glory so that people living in our own dark age might see the light and be drawn to its true source.

Those who shine with God’s glory will lead many to righteousness, as the angel told Daniel they would. Is that what you are doing in this age? Are you wise in spiritual things because you have filled your mind with God’s written revelation? Do you spend time with God? And because you have spent time with God, do you reflect his character to our darkened world? Do you lead others to Christ? Are you God’s witness? This is what God has given us to do. It is our commission and task and opportunity.

Taken from Come to the Waters by James Boice ISBN 9798887790954 used with permission from P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg NJ 08865

Scripture quotations are from the ESV (the Holy Bible English Standard Version) copyright 2001 by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.