Sermon On The Torch Of Life

George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and critic once remarked: “Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” John 8:12 reminds us: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

A torch, in modern-day technology, is defined as a portable, battery-powered electric lamp. Its inventor is reputed to be the British naturalized American, David Misell on March 12th, 1899. However, earlier forms of this luminary instrument have been successfully used and gradually improved throughout history to provide light in needed areas. They were often formed of a stick with a tip coated of combustible material which created flames of such magnitude that large areas were often illuminated from a single device.

A torch provides illumination in the darkest of cavities. It removes dimness in selected areas and substitutes light which provides a reassuring glow and vision. It allows for the propensity to see things that would otherwise remain permanently hidden within the darkness. It can, in its way, provide an element of hope. On dark nights when there is no other illumination available, it portrays enough light to navigate the homeward path of safety to an abode. Without light, we would lose sure-footedness or not know where to place our feet to avoid the pitfalls of life as we make our way through the darkness.

Just like the brilliance and reassurance that a torch can provide, the presence and words of Jesus during His time on Earth, similarly illuminated the pathway of life and gave believers the hope of eternal life. Psalm 119:105 confirms: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Torches are often more commonly referred to as a lamp. Mark 4:21-23 reminds us: And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

It has been said that light represents and is responsible for all forms of life. The book of Genesis chapter 1 confirms this to be true. From the air that we breathe to sustain a bodily existence to the crops that grow in the soil that provide nourishment. We all depend on the necessity of light. It not only aids vision and growth, it provides hope, enhances mood, supports energy efficiency and supplies warmth and extra brightness from the sun. The light of the world that Christ provides also includes natural power to overcome any form of darkness, illuminate the pathway to a better living and eternal existence, and conquer the temptations of evil with goodness and righteousness.

Olympism is quoted to be a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. It is multi-national and the main priorities of the Olympic Movement permeate gender equality, integrity, and sustainability.

The Olympic games dates back to 776 BC in Greece and is a sporting event held every four years. It is steeped in history. At the start and end of the games, in whichever country it is hosted, a ceremony takes place. Inspired by practices from ancient Greece, the Olympic Torch Relay, which is a fundamental part of the opening ceremony, transmits a message of peace and friendship along its route.

The opening ceremony comprises the raising of the Olympic flag while the Olympic hymn is played. This is followed by the arrival of the torch relay and the flame is lit. The Olympic oath and creed is also said.

At the conclusion of the games, after the call to reassemble in four years has been made, a fanfare is sounded, the Olympic flame is extinguished and to the strains of the Olympic anthem, the flag is lowered. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 reminds us: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Torches have the unique imaginary ability to open closed and locked doors for those in darkness by the brilliance of their glow. They shine a light, just as Jesus did, for those who are suffering from doubt or perhaps retain fear of the unknown. Science also plays its part in attempting to resolve that, which still remains undiscovered or unknown. It can create the special keys to unlock a door to which no other key is available. It is invaluable, through research, in finding formulas and remedies to combat disease, which in turn prolongs or retains life. Jesus healed the sick by touch and voice, science heals the inflicted by surgery and medication. Louis Pasteur, a French chemist and microbiologist once remarked: “Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world. Science is the highest personification of the nation because that nation will remain the first which carries the furthest the works of thought and intelligence.”