August 23 | Philippians 2:12-16

Elaine Pierce
Aug 23
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Star Bright

By Elaine Pierce

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)

then you will shine among them like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life (Philippians 2:15)

Of course you are familiar with the children's nursery song "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are, Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky...." Humans have always been fascinated by the heavens. The psalmist ponders God's creation in Psalm 8: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

We know that God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it. Men and women are the pinnacle of his creation, and he gave them dominion over the earth - to tend to it, to nurture it, to take care of it.

And what is our witness as Christians in this world that has turned its back on its creator? We are to 'shine like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life.' We are to reflect our Father's glory, and to do his work without complaining or arguing. Ah, this is a tall order, and we won't get it right all the time, but what a powerful image of how the body of Christ shines brightly in a dark world.

The most famous star of all has to be the star that the Magi followed so they could worship Jesus:

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him. (Matthew 2:2)."

Light and darkness: the contrast is obvious. Let's follow the light of God's word and share it in a dark and troubled world. God's light never needs recharging, and it shines for all to see. He will accomplish his purposes - praise God he will reign forever and ever.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to be light in a dark world. Help me to share your love with others, and not to hide from doing good. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!