God Speaking

“…so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe, as you hold out the word of life…”

(Philippians 15: 16)

My little granddaughter is going to a Day Care and I was so pleased to discover they are teaching her the same sweet songs that I sang as a small child. The other day I was travelling with the family and sitting in the back seat next to her car seat, when she offered to sing a song for me. I was thrilled to hear the words of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” emerge from this little mouth, accompanied by all the hand actions.

I have always been fascinated by the stars and as I was born in Australia the Southern Cross, in all it’s spectacular beauty could be observed from where I lived, and I too wondered just like the words of that old song “how I wonder what you are”

Ancient peoples were intrigued by the stars and old mariners used them to plot their way across vast expanses of water and of course we have the story in Scripture of that wonderful Star leading the wise mem to find the new born Saviour.

“…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)  

Stars, and who created them are often mentioned in the Bible;

“And what were it’s footings, or who laid its cornerstone-while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.”  (Job 38: 6 – 7)

God reminds Job of who made the stars 

“…He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.” (Genesis 1: 16)

Stars and their light led people through the darkness. This is why Paul, when writing to the Philippians, urges them to be like stars shining and showing the true Light of the Lord to lead others through the darkness of a crooked and depraved world.

The same analogy is used in the book of Daniel as he listens to God warning him of what is to come for all mankind;

“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)

So how do we shine like stars?  We have probably heard this statement used when praising someone for what is seen as a worthy action.

He is a shining example of doing it right!

Paul was encouraging the followers of Christ to shine by exhibiting the word of life to others, by being an example of what it means to live Jesus’ words and when others see what a difference that makes they will be drawn to the light they can see shining through those who love the Lord. Another little childhood song I remember, tells us to shine where ever we are, a good reminder to shine the light to others;

in this world of darkness so we will shine

You in your small corner and I in mine