THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Do you remember anything about your baptism? If youʼre like me, and were baptised as a baby, the answer is probably “no.” Perhaps someone has told you what occurred at your baptism and you recall it that way. We confess that baptism is a most significant event in the life of a Christian. Yet, most of us have no memory of our baptism. We may even have no clear idea of its real meaning or importance, let alone how it may impact our daily lives. It is likely that most of us almost never think about baptism with the exception, of when we see or are involved in a baptism, or perhaps when a pastor preaches about it. Baptism is a gift from God. It is Godʼs unconditional promise to accept us as we are, adopt us into Godʼs family and forgive us all of our sin. We are utterly passive in the face of Godʼs grace. So, does that mean that baptism “makes” us part of Godʼs family or does it “announce” to us that God includes us in Godʼs family? If baptism makes us part of Godʼs family – then baptism becomes a requirement of life with God now and in the life to come. Does that mean it is a “ticket to heaven” where parents want their children “done” just to be on the safe side? However, baptism doesnʼt “make” but “announces” Godʼs inclusion of us into Godʼs family. Perhaps we ought to keep reminding ourselves and each other of that tremendous gift that God has granted us. Baptism is a public declaration, a visible sign, to the baptised and the community of who and whose we are, beloved, children of God. We must not lose sight that baptism is Godʼs work, not ours, his command for his reasons, for our good.

Pastor Darryl