The Torch Has Been Passed

As you read this, the Olympic Torch is making its way from Olympia, Greece to Sochi, Russia. In 1996, the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, carried the torch through mid-Ohio en-route to Atlanta, Georgia. This ritual, full of pomp and circumstance, denotes that a new city is hosting the Olympics, and dates back many, many years.

We use the term “passing the torch” to mean a new group of people is responsible for carrying out a mission or activity.

Today’s reading, Acts 3:1-10, is a story demonstrating that a torch has been passed.

From the reading, we know that the lame beggar was healed and praised God. Everyone who saw the event was amazed. This was a miracle, and many who witnessed this no doubt came to faith. But this was not that unusual. The Bible records numerous times when Jesus healed people. Jesus even raised Lazarus from the dead.

But this time it was different. This time it was the Apostle Peter doing the healing. Not Jesus.

Well, actually it was the Holy Spirit who healed the beggar, working through Peter.

Jesus was no longer physically on earth, but his mission had only just begun. The Apostles had previously been told that they were to carry out Jesus’ ministry on earth (Mark 16:15-18).

When they received the Holy Spirit, the apostles had the necessary skills and talents to complete their task. The torch had been passed, and the healing of the lame beggar was proof that the Apostles had the requisite authority, talents and skills to carry out Jesus' work.

Spiritual authority lies within the congregations that comprise God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Through the Holy Spirit, congregations have the means of grace (Word and Sacraments) at their fingertips and they are to use these to bring people to Christ.

It is the job of every congregation to carry out the mission that Jesus started 2000 years ago.

We have all we need to carry out this task; we have the Holy Spirit.

The Torch has been passed!