Devotion - Tuesday, October 9

Last Wednesday's visit by Bishop Yoos was well received by the students (and their campus pastor).  Bishop Yoos spoke to us about Baptism; providing images and opportunities for us to consider this sacrament and how it continues to animate our faith.

This morning I was reading from Luke 3.  Here we have the story of Jesus' baptism, in the river Jordan.  John presides over this baptism.  

I was also reading from Acts 18, where Pricilla and Aquila confront a man named Apollos in Ephesus.  They help him to understand the difference between the baptism of John, and the baptism which is offered in the name of Jesus.  If only we were allowed to hear the particulars of what they tell Apollos.

The baptism offered by John was similar to those offered by many in that time.  It was a baptism of repentance.  It was a pledging to turn one's life around and strive more fervently to do better.  This is the baptism John offered to those who are sometimes referred to as a "brood of vipers."  We are not completely sure why Jesus received this baptism, in one of the Gospel accounts John says as much and balks at the request of Jesus to be baptized.  Books have been written about this, quite interesting reading, actually.

For now, let's move on to say a few things about the difference between John's baptism and the baptism in the name of Jesus.  Here is where Pricilla and Aquila's words would be helpful.  When we are baptized, there may be an undercurrent of repentance.  Repentance is a continual practice for Christians.  But in a Christian baptism, the prime actor is God.  God is the one who accepts us and makes us his own.  God is the one who welcomes us and promises to remain in our lives.  The baptism of John spoke of what we intend to do; the baptism of Jesus is about God's actions.

I pray that on this day as with every day the living out of your baptism will result in repentance, and good works, and righteous living.  But as you wash your face this morning and declare "I am baptized!" remember that it is the work of God which brings salvation.