The Beauty of Baptism

Luke 3:3 John went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (NIV)

            Recently, I baptized a father and his children as the mother, who was already baptized, stood next to them. It was a very beautiful ceremony and was watched by some of their church friends in the sanctuary. I felt privileged to have been asked to do this for them and it reminded me of the mysterious way that the Holy Spirit connects Christian families to one another. As their church friends came forward to greet the family after the baptisms, I witnessed an outpouring of joy and love. It was a blessing that I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life.

            When John the Baptist ministered to people in the region of the Jordan River, he emphasized their need to repent and be baptized. He did this to help people who were struggling with their sins and who needed a brand new start. The best way to do this was repent and then be ritualistically cleansed in the River Jordan. For those who experienced it, their baptism must have been both a liberating and joyful occasion. As they emerged from the waters of the Jordan, they must have felt as though their life had started all over again which would have been a great feeling. To be fully cleared of sin and totally loved by God would have been an exceptional experience. God’s grace is immense and whether a baptism takes place in the River Jordan or a church sanctuary, the effect is the same: a restored person becomes a welcomed child in God’s Kingdom.

Point to ponder

When have I felt God’s grace in my life? How have I shared that gift with other people?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of baptism and its wonderful power which restores us to God’s love and favor. Be with us and bless us this day. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at this link: www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained glass designs called ‘Baptismal Waters.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Waters.

Short devotion: Paper Cup Font - Romans 6:5

Romans 6:5    If we have been united with Christ like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.

            I was once asked to perform a baptism by an elderly couple in a hospital room. Both of them were in their seventies and the husband couldn't remember if he had ever been baptized. He was dying of cancer and only had weeks to live. They were both anxious about this, so I did the baptism in the room within minutes of being asked.

            It was a beautiful experience. I remember using a paper cup as a font and the patient’s bed tray as an altar. I had a pocket New Testament with me from which I read scripture pertaining to Christ’s baptism. I asked the elderly man if he believed in Jesus and if he wanted to be baptized. He simply said, “Yes, I do.” All three of us then joined hands and I said a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to bless and sanctify the water, as well as each one of us. I poured a little of the water over the husband’s hair and thumbed a cross on his forehead. To this date, it was one of the most sacred sacraments that I have ever completed. Smiles and tears were shared like Communion bread and wine. We all embraced each other and our hugs became the passing of Christ’s Peace.

            A couple of weeks later, we laid the old man to rest in his grave. His elderly wife was at peace throughout the ceremony. I like to think that she knew her husband’s soul was safe in the arms of Jesus. The baptism had united him to Christ’s death and resurrection.

            Paul reminds us that our baptisms eternally connect us to Christ. We die to sin and live for Christ in baptism. We go from a mortal life to an eternal existence; we pass through the waters of woe to the River of Life. Our baptism is our crossing of the Jordan, from humanity to divinity, from a dusty planet to the Kingdom of God. It’s a beautiful blessing and one which everyone in the world should get to experience.

Questions for personal reflection

What does baptism mean to me? How has it shaped my life and faith?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the wonderful gift of baptism which not only brings us into the community of faith, but also unites us eternally with You. Remind us of this special blessing and help us to positively share it with other people, so that they may be drawn closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s drawing of Christ’s baptism. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6924951609_4fc7a8a94e_b.jpg