Passing on the torch.

Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about (surrounded )with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 ^{2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.}

I stood on the side of the road and watched the Olympic Torch relay in Melbourne, and as I watched I thought how important each runner was in passing on the flame. This flame was lit in Greece on Mt Olympus, and passed from runner to runner over many kilometres, though many countries, by countless people.  As the flame went past people cheered and clapped and took photos to remind them of this moment in history. What if one person did not run the chain would have been broken.

Yes I took photos, this is the Olympic torch relay in Melbourne 30th July 2000

 My mind went back to that moment 2000 years ago when our Lord Jesus Christ died on the Cross. Countless Christians have passed on the Good News of Salvation to family, friends, and people. They have told them of His sacrifice and the Way of Salvation.  Just like the torch relay the Good News has passed from one person to another for over 2000 years. Are you passing on the torch (the Good News) to people you know? 

You can't run a good race if you are carrying extra weight.  Sin can be like that, it will stop you enjoying your Christian faith, it will stop you from sharing your faith (telling others about God's way of salvation), it will stop you from passing on the flame (getting excited about your faith.)

Isaiah 61:2-3

^{2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.}

^{What is your mission, is it to proclaim the year of the Lord, that is to tell others of Gods plan of Salvation, and tell others that one day God will judge the world.  Is it your mission to comfort those who mourn (feeling sad). God can give us beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy (happiness) for mourning (sadness), make us feel like praising God, instead of feeling sad and depressed. That we may be people that others can look up too.  Why? That God may be given the praise that He is worthy of.}

^{I read this notice on a Church notice board in St Kilda (Melbourne).}

^{OUR MISSION}

^{To all who mourn and need Comfort:} 

^{To all who are weary and need Rest;}

^{To all who are lonely and need a Friend;}

^{To all who are sad and need Joy;}

^{To all who are discouraged and need Hope;}

^{To all who sin and need a Saviour}

^{This Church opens its arms and doors}

 ^{and in the Name of Jesus Christ says;}

 ^WELCOME

^{I was touched as I read it and thought, this should be our mission too, as Christians we should be looking out for those who mourn and need comfort, who are weary and need Rest, who are lonely and need a Friend, to those who are sad and need Joy, to those who are discouraged and have no Hope, who sin and need a Saviour.  Are we prepared to open our arms and in the name of Jesus say, Welcome, I will help?  Are we prepared to point them to the Friend that sticks closer than a brother, who will never leave them, nor forsake them, will comfort them, give them hope, give them joy, give them eternal life?  Jesus during His life here was filled with compassion, do we have compassion like He did?}

^{To my friends in Christ, I have been challenged, I hope you too will just pause and think how you can have part in this.  Reach out to those who need comfort and salvation.  There are those who are hurting and need encouragement within every church, every workplace, every walk of life, open your arms and reach out," in the Name of Jesus Christ" and say Welcome}

"He leads me beside still waters" Psalm 21:2

This quiet spot is on the Yarra River near Warburton, Victoria Australia, as I sat on the river bank I thought of this verse. God has given us places where we can just sit and think about our lives, our family, our friends, about our Lord Jesus Christ.  We can get things that are troubling us into a better perspective. We can thank God for the beauty we are surrounded by, for the peace we enjoy in this land. in other words we can worship God, without the distractions of the rush and bustle of our lives. 

Thank you Father God for your love expressed in Jesus, thank you for the beauty of creation, thank you for our family and friends and thank you for the peace of knowing that you care for us in every way.  Thank you.

The Deaf will hear the words of the book.

18 When that day comes, the deaf will hear the words written in the book.  The blind will see out of their gloom and darkness 19 The humble people again will find joy in the Lord. the poorest of people will find joy in the Holy One of Israel..

I think it is wonderful that we can say that this prophesy is being fulfilled.  As we are all aware that the Holy Bible is being translated in to Auslan Sign Language (Australian Sign Language) at the moment, so we can truly say, "the deaf will hear the words of the book", (the Holy Bible).  The blind people already have the Bible in Braille, so they can "see out of their gloom and darkness" through their fingers as they read the Braille Bible. The Deaf Community will soon be able to "hear the words written in the book", through sign language.

There is always a literal meaning of a bible verse, but there is also a spiritual meaning.  The literal meaning is that, what is said will happen, for an example the Auslan Visual Bible, the deaf will hear (see in their visual language), in other words they will "hear the words written in the book". The spiritual meaning is that we will hear what God is saying to us, (both deaf and hearing people), will hear, listen and obey God's Word.

It is important that we read God's Word.  God speaks to us and tells us what his plans for our lives are.  He tells us what is right and what is wrong.  We are encouraged in times of trouble. When we read the bible, especially the Psalms, we are comforted and encouraged.  The Psalm that comes to mind is the 23rd Psalm. 

The Holy Bible, King James Version

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He leads me beside still waters". What does this mean?  "The Lord is my Shepherd", a shepherd is a person who is constantly looking after the sheep, the Lord Jesus is constantly looking after us.  "I shall not want", the shepherd makes sure that the needs of the sheep are met, he makes sure the is enough food, rest and protection.  "He leads me beside still waters," the shepherd makes sure that there is no danger, there is a calm and restful place for us, the water is not rough, we can safely drink from the water.  If our lives are troubled we can go to the "True Shepherd" the Lord Jesus Christ.  Jesus will supply all our needs, he will see that we are protected, and make sure that our souls are rested, he is a shepherd we can trust.

More next time from Psalm 23.

Here is the rest of Psalm 23

"He restores my soul.... and leads me in the paths of righteousness." What God is saying here is that He will give me strength to do what is right, and leads me where he would want me to be, doing what is right. `Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil because your rod and your staff they comfort me.' Even when I walk though the valley of death, I will not be afraid, for he is there close beside me all the way, you see his rod will guard me, and his staff will support me though the most difficult time.   ^{Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  This verse tells us that even when we are having a bad time, and Satan is getting at us, the Good Shepherd makes sure that we have enough encouragement to continue on, he not only does that but he also makes us feel special, and makes us peaceful and joyful. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. This means that his goodness and kindness will be with me all of my life.  Not only that, but we will live with him in his house for ever.  Can we ask for anything more? No.!  Didn't I tell you that the Good Shepherd looks after us all the way and makes sure all our needs are met..}