By John Grant
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“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.â€? Isaiah 62:1
It’s been on my calendar for months lest I schedule any conflicts. There’s nothing quite like the opening of the Olympics and it only happens every four years. This year’s was the most spectacular ever. For four hours I, along with nearly three billion other people around the world sat with my eyes glued to the screen. It was the largest viewing audience in the history of television.
The first ninety minutes was a non-stop display of electronic, pyrotechnic and human engineering, followed by a parade of sixteen thousand athletes ranging from teenagers to age sixty-seven. The represented more than two hundred countries, including eighty-four that had never won a medal in any Olympics and who all shared a common enthusiasm that this would be the year. Many were just happy to be there.
But, to me, the highlight of any Olympic Games opening is the lighting of the torch and the declaration of: “Let the Games Begin.�Since its inception in 1936, the Olympic torch has come to represent the history and culture of its host country and city. It also represents the universal spirit of the Olympic Games.
Olympic champion Li Ning ignited the Olympic cauldron at the Bird’s Nest National Stadium, concluding the 129-day world trip of the Olympic flame billed as a journey of harmony and peace. It concluded a trip that began in Athens, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and passed through five continents. The relay covered 85,000 miles and was the longest ever trip of the sacred flame.
As I have followed with interest the flame’s journey over the past few months, I could not but help think of a significant spiritual parallel. It was Jesus who said: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.â€?
Like the athletes who carry the torch of harmony and peace, as Christians, our torch is the Word of God. Our message is the Gospel, our mission is to carry it every day and our mandate was given to us by Jesus himself: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.� As Christians, we are all called to be torch bearers.
(a thought on life from John Grant )
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2008/08/11/jg_carry-the-torch/
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John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney. He is an active writer and frequent speaker. He can be reached by e-mail at John.Grant@johngrant.net