God Remembers and He Rewards

Thank you for participating in this 21-day fast with a special emphasis on the need for peace from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.  We need peace in our souls, in the United States and worldwide including the Middle East, Ukraine and Russia.  

The last devotion of this fast is from the book of Daniel:

Daniel 12:3 - And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

In the last chapter of the extraordinary book of Daniel, in a single verse, truths emerge which bring great comfort and wonder.  Much of the book deals with contemporary struggles among kings and powerful actors, and also deals with powerful spiritual forces contending for supremacy and vindication through the ages.  Much can be learned from the study of the book, especially regarding the sovereignty of God, and His inexorable plans for the ages.  

In the midst of this, the author desires the reader to remember something important, and to reflect on that something.  This matters for our own understanding, as well as our perseverance in the purposes of God.  God Himself acknowledges that not all people are the same, and that there is a subset of people that He greatly honors.  These people He considers “wise” or “discerning.”  They are devoted to God personally, and they also labor to “turn many to righteousness.”  They encourage, teach, labor, and in the case of all who have joined this 21-day fast, they pray and fast for God’s purposes to help lead others to righteousness.  God notices and delights when persons made in His image do what’s pleasing in His sight.  He called Daniel a man “highly esteemed” and likewise esteems others who choose to be “wise” and “discerning” by walking in righteousness and steadfast faithfulness to His rules, statues and commandments.  What I am trying to say is that God notices your labor and dedication to Him, including your participating in this 21 day period of fasting and prayer for PEACE.  Peace in the souls of men and women as they are reconciled to Him and peace on earth whether among the slavs, or occupants of the Levant.  

In this verse he says, like celestial beings, or like heavenly bodies, it shall be the case that you shall shine in the heavens forever and ever.  Stars are specifically mentioned because they persist indefinitely, and shine brightly against a dark sky.  God is saying that He notices and cares about every act of devotion and self-sacrifice for his purposes and shall reward you with “everlasting life,” and it shall be bright and noticeable to all.  Your work of turning many to righteousness is much appreciated by Him, and He does not forget you!  

Dear Father, how beautiful, wonderful and sovereign you are!  Thank you for salvation through Jesus Christ, and allowing us to labor along with Him for the advancement of your kingdom!  Thank you that you remember, and that you shall have us shine like stars forever.  We love and are grateful to you.  Amen.  

Thank you to the more than 9,000 who participated in this fast!  We shall send to you testimonies of what God has done in the coming days.  Thank you for being part of this journey with Christian Union America to see America return to God wholeheartedly and seek Him for great change to the nation.  

Yours in Christ,
Matt Bennett, Founder and President, Christian Union