Living the Christian Life Magazine
The Commonwealth Games happen every four years. But preparation for each games starts with the Queen’s baton being past from each one of the competing 70 Commonwealth nations and territories, involving a third of the world’s population.
The Queen’s baton a symbol of the games protects the Queens message, which is read out at the start of the games by the Queen.
Only one baton is made for each one of the games. The tradition of the games symbolizes the coming together of all commonwealth nations which has the power to transform people’s lives through a festival of sport and culture.
The passing on of the baton or mantle has been a vital feature in the Holy Scriptures from the earliest times. Moses having led the Children of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the edge of the Promised Land, yet he could not take them any further.
Joshua took over the baton and led the Children into the Promised Land.
“Moses, My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou and all the people…. As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee, I will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage”. (Jos.1- 6)
Elijah having fulfilled LORD’S commission passed on the mantle to Elisha who carried on the Lords work.
“He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and smote the waters, and said where the LORD God of Elijah is. And when he also had smitten the waters, they departed to the one side and to the other and Elisha went over….. The Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha”. (2 Kings 2:14-15)
The Lord Jesus Christ came bringing the message of the Kingdom, the “Good News of the Gospel” He commissioned twelve disciples and taught them. He then left them with the baton to carry on the ministry of proclaiming the “Good News of the Gospel”
“Verily, verily I say unto you He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go onto My Father (John 14:11-12)
The Disciples took up the baton given to them by the Lord Jesus when He commanded them to “Go into the entire world and preach the Good News of the Gospel”.
The Gospel spread rapidly despite the intense persecution. All of the disciples apart from John who died of old age were all martyred. Yet their message and testimony was preserved by the Holy Spirit for future generations to take up the baton.
Today the baton has travelled across the four corners of our world as each successive generation has proclaimed the Good News, and yet the persecution goes on. Not only has the Scriptures been torn apart and ridiculed but also its subject the Lord Jesus Christ has been the subject of intense scrutiny as they try to find some flaw or fault in His character. No other leader or religion has had such scrutiny.
Yet the Church marches on, each believer being a part of God’s grand design.
Although we may be worshiping in small congregations or are worshiping in isolation, yet we have the confidence and assurance to know we are not alone, but are a part of the commonwealth of believers joined together by one common bond and purpose.
Each of the athletes that take part in the Commonwealth Games strives not only to pass the finish line but also to be first passed the line, as he is urged on by the cheering spectators. The writer to the Hebrews in the New Testament encourages the Christian in the same manner.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”. (Heb. 12:1-2) (NASB)
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ”. (Heb. 12:3) (NASB)
Passing on
the Baton
Thoughts to Ponder on