YOU HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO SHINE - PART 4

FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2022

I shared about the significance of light and bright light in part 3, but in today's article, I'm going to shed some light on "light" and "great light." Let's find out more!

Reference: Jeremiah 31:35 New International Version (NIV) "This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the LORD Almighty is His name."

The sun shines by day, but the moon and stars, by night. According to the book of Genesis, the sun and the moon represent great lights, while the stars simply represent light. In fact, in line with Genesis 1:16, God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars (NIV). Now I want you to pay attention to this important truth: We have understood that the sun and the moon are great lights, but God also made the stars, although He did not classify the stars as great light. Simply put, the stars are referred to as light.

When the Bible says, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine" (Isaiah 9:2 NLT), what does it mean? Firstly, a great light here is likened to the light of the sun or moon. But a "light" could easily represent the stars, which is in line with the account of light in the book of Genesis. Although we are appointed to become light in our world, just like sun shines in the day, we are also called to function as shining stars. And I will come to that.

Now what's the true meaning of Isaiah 9:2 NLT: The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine"? It means that as we function as great light, we represent Christ, and people who walk in darkness watch and see us, just as Christ Jesus functioned. But when we function by shining our light, those who live in a land of deep darkness (which refers to state of lost souls) will come to light. Deep darkness is the symbol of ignorance, sin-controlled nature, and misery, which signify the condition of the lost souls. Therefore, shining a light implies witnessing for Jesus in our world.

To this effect, Daniel 12:3 reads, "Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever" (MSG). Shining like stars signifies revealing or making known the light of the glorious gospel, and its a beautiful representation of bringing the lost souls to the knowledge of the gospel. The AMP translation clearly expressed our ability to shine both ways, in terms of great light and light. It reads, "Those who are [spiritually] wise will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, [will shine] like the stars forever and ever."

When we function as shining stars, it means that we are mindful of winning others to Christ. Indeed, as shining stars, we carry the light of the gospel everywhere, thereby bringing and leading many to the knowledge of the truth. Witnessing for Christ is the duty of every born again Christian, both man and woman, and it is mainly the reason we are here in this world. Zero wonder 2nd Corinthians 2:14-15 says, "Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing" (NKJV).

When we spread the knowledge of Christ by sharing the gospel with others, it is never a worthless effort. At such times and moments, we're saturated with a perfume or aroma of God's knowledge which expresses and conveys the weight and eternal worth of His saving grace to the lives of people we come in contact with. So a person's sinful nature can be done away with, as they perceive the fragrance of the precious knowledge of Christ and become drawn to God thereby. In conclusion, when we operate as shining stars, we manifest our light in another fashion and show forth the excellencies of the Almighty God, thereby leading those who dear to believe the gospel, to Christ. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Matthew 5:14-15; Matthew 13:43; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; 2 Peter 1:19.

Guided Prayer: Gracious Father in heaven, your Word is precious beyond compare, by all that can give worth. I'm grateful that you made it possible for any man who accepts Christ as Saviour, to be saved from their sin, which is a revelation of your grace, mercy, love, and saving power. Therefore I acknowledge that the main purpose of my existence in this world is to stand as a witness to the praise and glory of your name through the glorious gospel, and to bring souls to your Kingdom. Thank you Lord for delivering me from the domain of darkness and transferring me into your marvellous light, in Jesus' Name, Amen!