Passing the Torch

Background Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28-29
Lesson Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:2-3, 6-12; 29:18-19, 26, 28

Introduction

The torch of faith in Jesus Christ has been passed from one generation to another until today. We hold in our hands what past Christians held, lived, and treasured. Only as we love and faithfully practice this faith will we be able to transmit the torch to those who follow us. Our hands holding the torch are earthy, but the flame (faith) is of heaven. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7). We need to faithfully hold up the torch today—then in confidence let it pass on to a prepared generation.

Key Verse

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also (2 Tim. 1:5).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

David was a godly man, wanting to do God’s will. He believed there should be a house built wherein the ark of the covenant could rest. David lived in a house of cedars while the ark was in a tabernacle made of curtains, and at times in the hands of ungodly nations (1 Chron. 17:1). David desired to build a temple, believing it would please God. However, God chose not to use David’s hands, which were stained with war and bloodshed, to build His house. He chose rather to commit this task to Solomon, David’s son. Solomon was yet a young and tender man whose life had not been blighted by disobedience and violence (1 Chron. 29:1). God’s house was to be a place of peace and worship.

Even though David was prevented by God from building the temple, he cared deeply about its construction and purpose and zealously prepared all the materials that would be needed. He gave Solomon detailed instructions for the building project, even showing Solomon the patterns which he should follow. It appears that David wanted nothing lost or misunderstood in the transition. Solomon should have everything that inspired David. The finished temple would be just as David had envisioned. David’s conviction was carried through without any change of purpose or dimming of glory.

David’s enthusiasm for building the temple was enhanced by Solomon’s willingness to make his father’s vision his own. God’s promised blessings upon Solomon were conditional—if Solomon would obey and serve Him with a perfect heart and willing mind. David had needed to surrender his own desire to build, and now Solomon would need to surrender himself to God and work His pleasure. The surrender and yielding of their wills were necessary for the torch to be passed from one to the other.

When the temple was dedicated, Solomon offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God and asked Him for future blessings. “And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which he spake with his mouth to my father David” (2 Chron. 6:3-4). The torch had been passed! “Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day” (v. 15). It was as if David was standing among them, pleased that the work stood completed according to his plans.

Practical Truths for Today

The origin of “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” is Christ Jesus, our Lord (Jude 3). This faith is pure, uncontaminated by any earthly or human element. It is entirely of God and cannot receive any addition or improvement of man. The faith of Jesus Christ has endured throughout the ages and will not be destroyed by the forces of evil. It shall remain unchanged and continue until the end of the world. However, the torch of this faith is subject to one peril: that in passing it from one generation to another, its flame can be dimmed by disobedience, causing God to remove the “candlestick” and give it to others who will carry it faithfully.

It is a timely concern that the pattern of faith and holy living given by Christ to His followers would continue as it has been received. Many changes come with the passing years, but the torch of faith can and needs to be carried today in its purity and power. Christ’s example and teaching while on earth was for our fathers, for us today, and for all future generations. This faith still carries a lively hope to the lost soul who cries out to God for salvation. The power for regeneration and sanctified living remains in its fullness, as when the Holy Spirit was first given. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). We must examine our fidelity in living this faith and transmitting it to those who follow.

The church of God, with Christ as her head, is so much a part of the saving faith. The Scriptures indicate an unbroken line of true doctrine and practice among believers. This line must be kept alive if the torch is to be passed. Maintaining purity in the church and keeping ourselves separate and unspotted from the world cannot be ignored when embracing the faith. The preaching of sound doctrine and the saving gospel to all cannot be separated from the faith.

Spirit-filled brethren are needed to pass the torch. Our elder brethren have taught and lived this faith. As they diminish in strength and ability, the torch comes into the hands of younger ones. Of necessity, the young must prepare themselves for keeping the torch. It is a heartwarming testimony when older brethren can express confidence in the spirituality and soundness of younger generations. This helps the transition, or passing the torch, to be seamless and without disruption. The older ones have a part in preparing the younger ones to assume this responsibility. The way is prepared by careful example and Spirit-inspired teaching. “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7). This requires the younger ones to accept the torch as given them. The unbroken line of faith and doctrine must be carefully maintained by each generation, thereby giving testimony to the unquenchable flame.

Perhaps of greatest importance in passing the torch to the generation following is our love for the truth and our readiness to live the faith. The daily example of a God-fearing brother or sister’s upright life is necessary in teaching our posterity to love the rich heritage of the kingdom. The Christian’s daily self-denial and acceptance of suffering for the faith identifies him with saints of the past. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19). Compromises are convenient, but they diminish the flame, and the purpose of the torch is thwarted. Clouds of rampant evil and man’s denial of God increasingly darken our day; consequently, the true flame shines even higher and further. The faith cannot be extinguished by external pressure or persecution, but the torch can be removed by our neglect and failure to love and live the faith.

Illustrations

An example of passing the torch can be drawn from the electrical power lines traversing a country. A similar illustration is found in pipelines carrying petroleum products from distant places to distribution centers. It is hoped that the energy will remain undiminished from the source to the usage point. Utility companies are concerned about losses in these lines. They may reconcile themselves to a minimal loss, but they know any loss lessens their profit.

The true faith of Jesus Christ is being carried over great “distances” of the ages, a variety of people and cultures, and many generations of believers. Has there been some “line loss”? Is it happening as we hold the torch? Have we accepted, possibly with some uneasiness, a measure of loss or dimming of the faith’s power and witness? The record we find of Timothy’s grandmother and mother and their passing of the torch gives us courage—we need not suffer any loss in the line.

Questions

1. How should we prepare our children and young people for carrying the torch?
2. Discuss: Strong leaders are not born; they are made. If so, how?
3. What attitude should young Christians have about carrying the torch?
4. What might be points of weakness or loss in the line of faith?
5. Is it helpful to think or to speak of the possibility of God removing the torch? (Rev. 2:5).
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).