Jesus himself was baptized (Matthew 3:16), and his last words instructed us to go out and baptize other people (Matthew 28:19).  The Jordan River is shallow, more of a winding creek; you can't get your head under the water.  The Greek word, baptizo, means "dip" or "pour."  For centuries, Christians used Roman baths or shallow pools, and candidates stripped off their old work clothes, descended into the pool to then emerge, be handed a lighted candle, clothed in a new white robe, and given a drink of milk and honey:  mind-boggling imagery!  Baptism is a sign of union with Christ (Romans 6:3), membership in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), the gift of the Spirit and forgiveness (Acts 2:38). 

   But the mere application of water doesn't seem to do much good in itself.  Hitler, Stalin, and plenty of other wretched people were baptized.  Baptism happens at the intersection of three promises:  parents promise to raise a child as Christian (or the believer promises to lead a Christian life), the Church promises to nurture that faith, and God promises to envelop the person with grace and power.  These promises are deadly serious, and so to trivialize Baptism as something cute or routine is the misunderstand everything.  "Baptism is not some social rule in the traditional pattern of life.  Baptism is the breaking of all rules and customs" (Karl Barth).

   Many churches baptize infants.  The symbolism is profound theologically: no matter how old we are, we are vulnerable, totally dependent before God.  We are cradled by God's grace; a voice declares "This is my beloved child" (Matthew 3:17).  Martin Luther's advice to the Christian facing difficulties?  "Remember your baptism!"  But how can I remember if I were baptized at 3 months?  You notice other children, you imagine yourself loved by God when you were fragile, you know God knew you before you knew God (or anybody else), you trust God's strong embrace.

   And yet many others baptize only adults - and this is theologically wise, too.  We come for Baptism, not boasting of me and my brilliant spiritual decision, but as humbly obedient, ready to be washed of the grime that has accumulated, thirsty for the water that only Jesus can give.  The theological posture required for believers' baptism and infant baptism are really kin, aren't they? 

   What about the volume of water used?  The sprinkle of a few drops is as tenderly beautiful as the morning dew, or the gentle rain falling down from a generous God.  The flood of submersion is as powerful as catching a curling wave, or leaping in the deep end - and it's risky!  Yet God's strong hand is there to buoy us up, to quench our thirst, to cleanse us again, and again.

James

james@mpumc.org

Coming up:

eWorship18 - The Lord's Supper

eWorship19 - Praying for Others

eWorship20 - Repentance and Forgiveness

The complete eWorship series may be found on our web site.