Every four years, numerous cities of the world bid to hold the Olympic Games. In their application to the Olympic Committee, the candidate cities must show, amongst other things, that they have the finances, the infrastructure and the right political and economic climate to sustain the games.
Immense planning and organizing goes into hosting the World Games. One of the immediate tasks that the successful city undertakes is setting up a committee to plan the games. Among the functions of the Committee is choosing individuals to carry the Olympic Torch, i.e., "Torchbearers". Olympic torchbearers carry the torch from city to city, one handing it to the other almost like passing the baton in a relay race. The torch is used to light the Olympic Flame. Individuals chosen to carry the torch are people of accomplishment. They are individuals that the host country is proud to show off. Torchbearers are people that others would want to emulate, they are role models. It is a great honour to be chosen to carry the Olympic Torch.
As Christians, we are called to be torchbearers. A torchbearer is a person who leads or inspires. We are to carry the torch which, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is something that is lit for illumination. Jesus is the light of the world and we are to carry Him wherever we go. As His children, we are to shine so that those who do not know Him may come to know Him.
The Bible says "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).
After the resurrection, Jesus met with the eleven disciples and said to them "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark16:15).This great commission was not only for the disciples but for all of us. It is for everyone who would confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour. We have a mandate to go and preach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ in every nation of the world. We should be proud carriers of the torch and like Paul we should be quick to declare "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).
Like the Olympic torchbearers, we are also called to pass the torch. It is incumbent upon us as Christians to pass the torch from generation to generation. It is the duty of parents, Christian teachers, pastors, missionaries and all who call themselves Christians to ensure that the torch is passed on. Today, we hear stories of how people came to know and serve the Lord. For many, it was the godly influence of their parents, Sunday school teachers, pastors or friends that drew them to the Lord.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)
Just as the Olympic flame is lit and everyone can see it, so should it be with us. The Bible says "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14). People ought to look at our life and desire what we have. Christians ought to set the pace for others to follow.
May we all take up the torch and carry it proudly and faithfully.
