"Wash, O God, Our Sons and Daughters" (UMH no. 605) is one of my favorite hymns. I've heard the tune used for lyrics, too, and when I hear them, I'm drawn back to "Wash, O God." Today is "Baptism of The Lord Sunday" throughout the Christian church. It is a day often marked by baptisms. Or, it is a day we remember our own baptisms. For many United Methodists this may be difficult as they were baptized as infants. That is why it is good to periodically renew our vows.
Baptism predates the Christian church. It long been practiced in ancient Judaism. Baptism (and no one really knows if baptism was done by pouring, sprinkling, or immersion, or if the former two, if the person was kneeling or standing in the water) was a sign of repentance. It marked a change in the life of the one baptized. And, as Jesus is recorded as saying in the gospel of Matthew, it was done "to fulfill all righteousness" (3:15). In other words, baptism was the person's vow to live in a right relationship with God.
Baptism in the Christian church has a long tradition, but too long to go into here. Generally, when Christians talk about baptism, we speak of the new relationship we have with God through Christ Jesus. We are marked as brothers and sisters of Christ, and enter into that new relationship. No, baptism does not make us children of God. That status is conferred by our birth. Through baptism in Christ Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, our life takes on a new direction as God is at work in us. It is John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said, baptism (and Holy Communion, too) is an "outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace."
I've celebrated Holy Communion countless times. I've officiated at over 150 weddings, and close to 200 or so funerals and memorial services. No matter how significant and spiritual these are for me personally, they pale in comparison when I have the humble privilege of baptizing an infant or young child, a teenager or an adult. Each time I'm drawn back to my own baptism, and it's significance for my life although I couldn't understand it at the time. You and I have been marked, and nothing can change that. We belong to Christ! Remember your baptism and be thankful. See you on the journey.
Grace and peace,
Mike
January 11, 2015