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Torch Relay

by Stenoy (Steve) Stephonson

 
The Greeks, well known for their competitive spirit, invented the art of competitive running. We are familiar with the marathon and high hurdles as well as the myriad of short course races they also ran. But there was one race which was held periodically outside of the Olympic competition that was as highly regarded, perhaps even more so, as all the other competitive races. This race was called the torch relay. The race which spawned the modern-day Olympic torch race and ceremony, often took place in the streets and alleys of Athens. Ten or twelve men would assemble before the city fathers, each carrying a torch, a simple bound bundle of twigs inset in a hollow container. The twigs were coated with tar and then, one by one, each torch was lit from the same flame (Whitmarsh, Tim (2004). Ancient Greek Literature).

On their marks, the runners were sent out as a group and guided along a course that had been laid out among the city streets on which obstacles and barriers had been placed. The object of the race was to cross the finish line with your torch still lit. You could not stop and put the torch down or prop it anywhere. You had to hold it high and run with as much integrity as possible. The winner of the race was the first person to cross the finish line with his torch still lit.

In this race the victory seldom went to the fastest or the strongest. This was a race that depended upon timing and rhythm. Three important principles that draws my attention; 1. There are many obstacles that might prevents from finishing the race. 2. It is a race that requires perseverance and endurance. 3. Staying focused is vital. These same principles apply in our personal lives and in our organisation.

If we are to successfully run the race, then we must focus our attention on the object of our affection - JESUS!  He longs to have us reach after Him by faith. He longs to have us expect great things from Him. He loves to give us understanding in temporal, as well as spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put our talents into the work, ask Jesus for wisdom, and it will be given.

"All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, and the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind." (Ellen G White, The Desire of Ages, p827). Our mission is to cross the finish line with the torch still lit. With our eyes fixed on Jesus, and with perseverance and endurance, we will overcome all obstacles on our way.

To keep that torch lit required the ability to hold it properly, shielded from objects along the route and held away from the wind. If you ran too fast, you might put out the flame. If you ran too slow, the tar might burn up completely before you reached the finish line.  "…but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14.NIV)

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