Daniel 12:3 “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.”

This should be an encouragement to evangelism! The footnote in the NIV is worth noting, where it says that “Those who impart wisdom” would be an alternate translation for the beginning of the verse. It isn’t enough to be wise yourself, you need to pass it on. The verse as a whole is an example of Hebrew parallelism, where the same thing is stated two different ways, so that certainly supports what I’ve just said. However, to me this verse is at best a secondary encouragement. Our primary motive should be the love of God. We have tasted it in our own salvation, so we should be emboldened to share that salvation with others, just as God desires. (1 Timothy 2:4) The Bible is remarkably consistent in expressing God’s love and concern for all mankind, so the more we become familiar with it, the more we should be desiring and involved in sharing the Gospel with others. Shining like stars in the heavens is nice I suppose, but expressing the love of God is even better!

Growing up in a missionary family I’ve always known this principle, but I can’t say I’ve always followed it. Frankly, when results are so sparse, as they are in Japan, it’s easy to burn out and give up. However, that’s never the answer. God’s love is unchanging, whether people accept it or not. The photo exhibit I’m holding right now in the City Gallery of our 33 years in Omura is confirming that we’ve done a lot of “pre-evangelism,” at least, and it’s doing more in the process. As I wrote that I realized that I should have a handout available to explain why we’re in Omura in the first place, because several people have already asked that. That’s an opening to share the Gospel! I need to be sensitive to recognize, and faithful to make use of, every opportunity the Lord gives me to do just that, and leave the results to Him. Of course, as a pastor I am to nurture and train the flock of those who accept His invitation, but there too the wisdom and power must come from Him, or it will be fruitless.

Father, thank You for all the people who have come to the exhibit so far, and for those who will come in these last three days. Thank You for those who have come multiple times already, and say they want to come again. Guide me now as I write the handout You just directed me to create. I pray that it would be an effective tool to bring many into Your kingdom, Your family, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!