Through the waters – Day 11

There are a few things which are absolutely required for life.  We have other things which we need and probably want, but there are a few which are required.  One of the most important is water.  Without water, we perish.  Water is life.  Water gives life.  Water sustains life.  We continue to live because we have water.  So, it goes without saying water is vital.  

Water can also become important in our spiritual life.  The waters of baptism are a symbol of belonging, a symbol of family, and a cleansing of who we were before we were a part of this amazing family.  

In the Bible, Jesus came to his cousin, John, to be baptized.  John is hesitant, because John knows who Jesus really is.  But Jesus, understanding how John feels, reassures him this is the right thing at the right time – to move forward.  And so, John does what John has done many times before.  He prepares for baptism.  He wades out into the waters.  He readies himself to proclaim the mystery of death and life.  Except this time is different.  This is Jesus.  And this time, something miraculous and revealing takes place.  

As Jesus comes up from the waters, the heavens open up and the voice of God speaks.  The voice of God speaks just as the voice of God has spoken to Moses on the mountain.  The voice of God speaks as had happened to the people of Israel.  The voice of God speaks as it had done to prophets before.  The voice of God speaks but the message is one we must pay special attention.  This is my Son.  

Jesus was revealed to all people at his baptism.  But he was also setting an example for us as well.  He was showing us the way.  He was helping us to see this is a part of following.  This is a start on our journey of being a disciple as well.  

The waters of baptism not only show a cleansing, a redemption, and a sending forward.  They also show we belong.  We are part of a greater and bigger family.  We are welcomed into God’s great big family.  We are together with those who have gone on before us but have traveled these waters just like us.  We are with those who will come and be touched by these waters.  We are a part of a family where we may look different and talk different and think different, but we are united under the common following of God.  We are united in our calling to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  We are united in our calling to love our neighbor as ourselves.  We are united in Jesus – the One who God reveals as his Son.

What a revealing it is.  Jesus continues to reveal himself in our lives if we pay attention.  Sometimes it is in the water.  Sometimes it is in other parts of his creation.  Sometimes it is through his Word.  And sometimes it is through our lives.  Jesus was revealed at his baptism.  May he be revealed to us today.