“Why is the house of God neglected? Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.” Nehemiah 13:11b
When the Olympics came to America several years ago, part of the experience was to see the Olympic flame. For every Olympics, a flame is lit from the eternal Olympic flame in Greece and then carried to wherever the Olympic games are being held. The flame made its way to Atlanta for the opening ceremonies by traveling all over America first.
Volunteers and heroes from all over America carried torches holding the flame from place to place. While the flame was passing through Tacoma, Washington, Harley Sheffield had the honor of carrying it on his bicycle. As he was crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the expansion grates on the bridge blew a tire out on his bike. The torch popped out of its holder, fell onto the bridge, and broke into pieces. The Olympic flame was extinguished.
Sheffield was horrified. They would have to go all the way back to Greece and start over again! He would go down in history as the man who allowed the flame to go out! His panic was unnecessary because a “mother flame” was present in a trailing van as well as a replacement torch. Thus he could resume his duty, and the Olympic flame traveled onward.
This story provides a great illustration of our walk with God. Too many times we stumble and allow our flame to go out. If your flame has been doused, there is not a “mother flame” to restore it. But there is a “Father flame” who stands ready to light your torch today, and He will keep it lit.
Prayer Focus: Pray that God will light our spiritual torches with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Pray that Grace Gathering will always be on fire for the Lord. Ask God to make your spiritual flame burn brighter (increase your faith). Our Scripture today tells how God enabled Nehemiah to restore the priests to their duties. Ask Him how He can enable you to restore, rekindle, or resume something for Him that will give Him glory.
