The Marker of Baptism
“Go ye into all the
world…baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew
28:19, 20
Water baptism was
implemented by God for several important reasons. It is a point of identification with Christ’s
death and resurrection, a point of declaration to the world, and also a point
of obedience. Jesus Himself was baptized
and He asked each of us to follow this plan upon coming to know Christ (Matthew
28:19, 20)
Much like a wedding
ring for a bride and groom getting married, baptism is our wedding ring with
Christ. Though a couple has already
made a commitment in the ceremony, they decide to wear the wedding band as an
important symbol of that love relationship.
Strange is the marriage where the couple would make a commitment and not
want others to know about it. Jesus
reminded us that as believers “we must not be ashamed to identify with Him
before men.”
The late Dwight David
Eisenhower had the distinction of being the only American President to have
been baptized and received into church membership upon confession of faith
while in office. The memorial
service in the Washington Cathedral witnessed strongly to his faith and there was no mistaking it. The simple service, the hymns sung by choir
and congregation, the Scriptures read, the prayers given, the Apostles Creed,
all bore witness to Ike’s faith in his Lord.
The leaders of one hundred nations were present and they heard the
witness. More than that, national
television brought the witness before the American people.
The country and world
were not only reminded of Eisenhower’s faith, but of his humility. While there was much pomp and circumstance,
the President pointed all his attention to his Savior. Eisenhower was the
Commander of the Allied Forces for the invasion of Europe. He was one of the world’s most decorated
military men. Many honors had been heaped upon him in life. Yet, in death, the services were simple. It had been planned that way as he was buried
in a casket just like those used for common soldiers. Again, this speaks of humility of the
man. With all the honors bestowed upon
him, and having been the 34th President of the United States,
and having enjoyed a personal popularity seldom matched in America, he
chose humility as had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Baptism, whether for
the President of the United States, or anyone of us, will forever be the
marking point in each man, woman, young person and child of their love and
commitment to Jesus Christ. Just
like a graduation or wedding day, baptism helps us to drop the anchor of our
faith to be reminded of our commitment in good times and challenging times,
remembering God is always there for us.
As Jesus sent his
disciples forth to carry the message, He permanently linked the “Baptism of our
Hearts” with the “Baptism of our Bodies.”
“Go ye into all the
world…baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19, 20) It is the ultimate
picture of the One who died and was buried and then rose again unto new
life. As we go under the water, we die
to ourselves. As we come out of the
water, we rise in Him.
Whatever your
circumstance, recall that you have been given new life in Christ. We can now be
bold to identify with Christ and remember He has given us new life. If President Eisenhower was willing to let the
world know, we can feel free to pass along this great news to friends and
family. Christ is alive and reigns in us.
Reflections:
1)
Have you ever been baptized?
2)
What did it mean to you then? What does it mean to you now?
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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