THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

January 10, 2021

“Walking in Newness of Life”   

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”    (Romans 6:3-4)     

Whenever we have the joy and privilege of witnessing a baptism, it’s probably safe to say that the last thing on our minds would be death.  We see this as a joyful occasion, celebrating the beginning of a child’s faith journey, promising to support him/her in that journey.  These verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans sound almost threatening, but it’s an in-depth description of how closely we are brought into relationship with Christ through baptism.  Yes, our old self dies, but the good news is that a new person is raised to walk in newness of life.   

Through his baptism, Jesus joined personally and completely with all humanity, not because he needed to be washed clean of sin, but to demonstrate his willingness to enter into the human condition with all people.  To comprehend that our Lord is both human and divine is not an intellectual exercise, but an act of faith, trusting that with God, all things are possible.       

Jesus’ baptism is described in varying degrees of detail in the Gospels.  It is, however, a beginning event in his ministry.  He goes on to call disciples, talking with them, sharing his message, and beginning the journey that led to the cross.  Time after time, we read of crowds of people coming to be baptized; at other times individuals come requesting baptism.  In all these circumstances, there is a need and eagerness expressed, the belief that a new, clean life in Christ will wash away all sin and wrongdoing.     

Martin Luther wrote in the Small Catechism, “Baptism is not simply plain water.  Instead, it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word.”  God’s grace and forgiveness come to us in this most basic of elements, because he is willing to relate to us through such an expressive act.  Water is poured, God’s word is spoken, and we are cleansed.    

God’s Word is eternal, creative, and comes to us through Scripture, active and life-giving.  We can study, wonder, puzzle, and pray over this gift, grateful to be blessed by the opportunity to learn and be inspired through it.     

“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”  (Isaiah 40:8)     

The events of the past week have filled us with fear, anger, frustration, and disappointment.  We pray that God will lead and empower people of faith to be the voices of peace and reconciliation in our country and around the world.  More than ever, we know without a doubt that we are always in need of God’s love and care. 

Secure in God’s care in all things,

Your friend in Christ,   
Mary Rogers