Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are
important to get out. Usually I just
write them and put them in my journal folder.
I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.
Last night I had the great joy of attending the baptism of
my dear friend Laura. Since I am digging deep
into the book of acts I found it very apropos that this coincided with my inner
journey. I love Laura dearly and I was
overcome to hear how her journey with Christ unfolded. She gets it right in not being attached to
things over the journey.
What danced around in my mind so much was the idea of
Baptism for Christ followers. In the
final words of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says some very specific things about
what we are supposed to do as his followers.
I do not hesitate to say that we are to be symbolically immersed in
water to proclaim to all our choice to follow Christ for life. This is a public proclamation that we are on
a journey and it belongs to God.
I would, however, like to posit that Christ is very capable
of using double meanings in what he says.
Let us examine what he says in the last few verses of Matthew very
closely.
Mat 28:18-20 When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He
said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So
wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember
that I am always with you until the end of time." (GW)
The Greek word here for “Baptize” is Βαπτίζω – or baptizō -
1.
To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of
vessels sunk)
2.
To cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to
make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe
3.
To overwhelm
(Thayer)
I would posit that Christ is using his authority to say that
the outward sign of baptism is to be an inward sign that one is being totally
immersed in following Christ and his teachings.
I have been pondering this for two days now. What is the physical baptism if not the outward
expression of the choice to be totally immersed in following the teachings of
Christ and in teaching those things to others?
Another rendering of this passage may make my point clearer.
“The freedom to do as I please in both the earth and above
the earth has been granted me. Because
of this you must pursue the journey to disciple the entire human family to
follow Christ and immerse them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. Discourse with others so that you
are teaching them to attend carefully to all things I have enjoined you to do.”
(ATT)
My friend Laura has abandoned the false security of career
and home to follow Christ in this command.
Seeing her baptized last night filled me with joy for her potential in
this. It also made me more determined to
reach that same potential. I am to be immersed in the mission. I am to become one with the vast ocean that is Christ and follow him fully.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer
who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home
owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."
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Wow, I really love this one. I'm honored I made your blog in such a special way. I'm so glad you were there to celebrate with me and humbled by your words here.
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