Shining like Stars in the Midst of Fireworks

It’s the season of fireworks! Fireworks shine brilliantly in the skies, with spectacular colors and combinations—but then disappear with only smoke remaining, until that too fades away. No matter how long the show, and how great the finale, it comes to an end. In contrast, let’s look at the continuous light from the stars of the sky along with the sun and the moon, which God created on Day 4 to “give light on the earth, and to rule the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness” (Gen. 1:14–19, LSB).

Fireworks fade, and stars remain. Human-made lights come to an end while God-made lights keep shining. Here are just a few scriptural references to experiences and expectations of human image bearers compared to stars:

• Abraham looks at the stars to believe the promise of Yahweh, “So shall your seed be” (Gen. 15:5).

• Daniel received word that in the resurrection “those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).

• John sees the Son of Man holding seven stars (the angels of the seven churches) in His right hand and standing in the middle of the seven lampstands (the seven churches; Rev. 1:9–20).

• Paul instructs the Philippians how to “shine . . . as stars in the sky” (2:15).

On the last point, how is it that they can shine like stars? Simply put, Paul directs them in the preceding verse, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (v 14). Consider the opportunities we have to wisely accompany others, especially in the midst of complaints over relational, organizational, and societal fireworks. How can we come alongside others and aim towards righteousness (see the Daniel reference above)? In so doing, may we ourselves and those we serve shine like stars in the sky, reflecting the Light that both precedes and outlasts the stars!