Accepting His Torch!

One of the events that precedes the beginning of the Olympic Games is the passing of the torch from nation to nation until it arrives where the competition is to take place. Upon its arrival the torch is used to light the flame that will burn continuously as the various competitions are played out. Each event of the games is scrutinized by judges to ensure that all participants compete according to the rules, for that is the way it must be. ( 2 Timothy 2:5) This is to be true of life as well.

In life there are those who accept the “official” torch while others seem to want to carry their own. People get on fire over all kinds of things, some good and some not so good. Not all the things people get fired up about are in harmony with the Will of God. We need to be mindful of whose “torch” we have allowed to ignite ours and give us light.

Note Isaiah’s picture of this distinction.
“(10) Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of his servant? LET HIM WHO WALKS IN DARKNESS AND HAS NO LIGHT TRUST IN THE NAME OF THE LORD and RELY ON HIS GOD. (11) Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment.” ( Isaiah 50:10-11 ESV)

The encouragement here was to look in trust to the LIGHT OF GOD. Left to ourselves we will walk in darkness. We need to accept “His torch”; be ENLIGHTENED by the message He has sent and revealed to us! Nevertheless we may see many around us continuing to kindle their own fire, equipping themselves with torches they have lit themselves. Jeremiah pointed out that these who failed to walk in GOD’S LIGHT (not accepting the “torch” from His hand), but rather chose their own light would still receive something from His hand -- torment in which to lie.

One of the psalmists prayed…
“Send out YOUR LIGHT AND YOUR TRUTH; LET THEM LEAD ME; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” ( Psalm 43:3 ESV)

What flame has ignited our “torch”? Is it our own, the world’s, or is it God’s? From Whom are we seeking ENLIGHTENMENT for life? It is not our own message or illumination we are to pass on, but rather that which we have received from God. May we continue to accept the ENLIGHTENMENT God has handed down so that our life may be ignited by a steadfast trust in His Sovereign Will. Then as we pass God’s truth on to others they can be assured of receiving LIGHT that is truly adequate for dispelling the darkness of this world and leading them to God.

Have a great day WINNING IN LIFE BY THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD!
Carl

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