“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)
The beginning of the Olympic Games is marked by the torch lighting ceremony, a tradition that began in Greece some 2,700 years ago. In the previous post we learned that the Spirit of God is represented through fire. Today, we are going to draw some spiritual analogies from the model of the Olympic torch to determine the similarities to our Christian lives.
The flame in the Olympic Games originally represented the death and rebirth of Greek heroes. The flame burning within each Christian is only able to exist because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)
To begin the relay, the torch would be lit from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia—the home of the ancient games. Likewise, the flame of God’s Spirit is ignited within us when we accept God’s Son as our Lord and Savior. With hearts ablaze, we are encouraged to go and run our race.
The Olympic flame is carried from one torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity, and fellowship. In much the same way, God’s Spirit spreads a message of peace, unity, and fellowship as the light of God’s love is carried around the world.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1)
“With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:8-10)
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
As Christians, we are the torchbearers of God’s Spirit.
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16)
Keep your fire burning brightly, and pass the torch to others!