DAD'S RAMBINGS -- PASSING THE TORCH

PASSING THE TORCH

"I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is you also."

Before the Olympic games, there is the tradition of transporting the torch from city to city. Each person has the responsibility for a certain distance, and then he or she passes the torch to another person who runs his allotted course. It is a great tradition.

A godly heritage of passing the torch of faith is a treasure that is beyond value. There are two directions to this legacy. One is what we have received from those who have come before us and helped us begin the journey of faith. It may have been a parent, a pastor, or some other person God has put into our lives.

The other direction is the legacy we leave for those who follow us. The transmission of faith to Timothy came through his mother Eunice, and surely his grandmother, Lois, had a big impact on Eunice and also on Timothy.

Those of us who have had godly parents who have led us to trust in Jesus are blessed beyond measure. Paul was the recipient of the basis for faith from his forefathers. And so was Timothy, whose mother and grandmother were both Believers who taught Him in the faith. As Timothy had received from others, he also had the joy of passing on the faith to others.

During my senior years, my life-verse is Psalm 71:18: "Now also when I am old and grayheaded [or bald, as the case may be], O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come." As the older generation, we have the joy of communicating our faith in the Lord Jesus to our children, grandchildren, and sometimes great-grandchildren. If nothing else, we can pray for them as Paul did for his son in the faith, Timothy.

I am so grateful for my parents and grandparents who passed on the torch of faith. We can be thankful for those who have helped us come to faith in Christ, and we have the calling to share that faith in those who follow us.

Love, Dad