{"id":3689,"date":"2018-06-10T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2018-06-10T08:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/?p=3689"},"modified":"2019-03-14T17:25:17","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T22:25:17","slug":"passing-the-torch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/discipleship\/2018\/06\/10\/passing-the-torch\/","title":{"rendered":"Passing the Torch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Passing the Torch<\/strong>
\nWe Prayerfully Value All Generations<\/strong>
\nBy Bill Terry<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation
\nabout the glorious deeds of the\u00a0Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders\u201d (Psalm 78:4).<\/p>\n

When the word torch comes to mind, I am immediately drawn to the Olympic Games; especially since the next winter games are right around the corner. If you can, try to visualize the bearers of the modern torch, as they pass it from one runner to the next in a relay format, until it finally arrives at the host site of the Olympic Games. I recently read an interesting article on the history of Olympic Torch relay. The article stated, \u201cThe Olympic flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge, and life. The passing of the flame from one person to another in stages (the Torch Relay), symbolizes the handing down of this figurative fire from generation to generation.\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

If is my belief that the Apostle Paul had this idea in mind when he encouraged his young prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Timothy.\u00a0 \u201cFor this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands\u201d (2 Timothy 1:6 NIV). \u00a0I love the imagery this passage conveys; spiritual impartation, passion, passing the torch, a leader in one generation cheering on a torchbearer in the next generation.\u00a0 Listen to the words of Matthew 5:14-16, as they are interpreted by Eugene Peterson in the Message.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s another way to put it: You\u2019re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We\u2019re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don\u2019t think I\u2019m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I\u2019m putting you on a light stand. Now that I\u2019ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand\u2014shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening to others, you\u2019ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.\u201d [2]<\/a><\/p>\n

The call to be a torchbearer is a worthy vocation; one that every Christ follower should give serious attention to as we prayerfully value all generations. The first seven verses of Psalm 78 flow with three movements as it relates to past, present, and future generations.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Past Torchbearers \u2013 Psalm 78:1-3<\/li>\n
  2. The Psalm of Asaph begins with a call to attention (v.1).<\/li>\n
  3. He references the stories and truths passed down through the generations (v.2-3).<\/li>\n
  4. Torchbearers are responsible for telling God\u2019s story and communicating truth to the next generation.<\/li>\n
  5. Today, we honor earlier generations of torchbearers who passed the torch to the next generation.<\/li>\n
  6. Present Torchbearers \u2013 Psalm 78:4<\/li>\n
  7. Asaph is clear that the mission of a torchbearer begins at home.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cWe will not hide these truths from our children\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Asaph gives precise instructions on what to tell our children.<\/li>\n
    2. The glorious deeds of the Lord \u2013 Healing, forgiveness, redemption and blessing (Psalms 103:1-5)<\/li>\n
    3. God\u2019s power \u2013 Salvation, healing and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 5:15; Romans 15:13)<\/li>\n
    4. God\u2019s mighty wonders \u2013 Signs and wonders, God\u2019s greatness (Daniel 4:2-13)<\/li>\n
    5. Today, we honor all present-day torchbearers who are faithfully telling God\u2019s story and imparting truth to the next generation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n