I was reminded at our recent Baptism service of just how delightfully God displays His wisdom in His calling us. No two testimonies were alike, except that Christ was at the center of each, and so He must remain. Baptism is a reminder of our own beginning with Jesus, picturing as it does our death to self and newness of life in Him.
Often, at a wedding, we old married folks hear the vows and as we listen we renew them again in our hearts: for better or worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health, etc. At baptism, we remember our confession of faith, our public testimony of grace in our hearts — God’s calling us and the Spirit’s drawing us. We rejoice to hear how others are drawn by grace to the Savior we love so dearly. The beginning represented by baptism is the public confession of our surrender to Jesus, confessing our rebellion against His good rule, and declaring our eternal allegiance to His kingdom. How great is our God who turns rebels like us into His beloved children!
Also, as in marriage, the excitement of the beginning must settle into a rich, satisfying relationship — one that needs to be actively maintained. It is our task to keep the fire of our love burning for God. It is our responsibility to keep close to God by prayer, by immersing ourselves in His word by reading it or hearing it, and by doing His will in His church. The grace that saved us and brought us to the waters of baptism is operative every day for our growth and maturing as servants of God. Never let complacency enter into your walk with God. All worthy relationships require work and time. Have the heart of Paul, who said we must continue to “let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Col 3:16) and be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor 15:58)
Yours in Christ,
Originally printed in the Acton Faith Bible Church Pony Express. Vol. II, No. 10, October 2009.