March 20, 2009

Read Romans 6: 1-11

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life…The death he died, he died to sin, once and for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.—Romans 6:3-4, 10-11

When I think of baptism, my mind races back to my childhood and seeing church members being dunked or immersed in a tank of water. This immersion reminded me of one being lowered into a grave. This death, however, was of the person’s sin. What was ironic was the juxtaposition of this death of sin with water. Water that represents Creation. Water that represents human nature. Water that washes and resurrects the individual to new life.

While we don’t always immerse people in the Methodist church, the Sacrament of baptism still links God to our individual lives and into the life of the community. When we are taken into the community, it is still both a death and the creation of new life. By choosing and accepting Christ, we in essence accept death along with him. For me, that meant changing from a corporate career to public service. It meant moving five hundred miles from family and friends to serve in a church. It means having a home that does not belong to me with rusty 1980s fixtures. But at the same time, by gathering and witnessing an infant being baptized, we believe God enters our midst and creates newness. By repenting and accepting, we acknowledge that we can have new life through him and in him. For me, that means creating a community of learners where everyone feels a connection. It means moving again and knowing that new friends await me. It means knowing God and community will provide and it is more than good enough.

During Lent, repent and return to God. Try to find forgiveness and seek the ever-present grace. Remember your baptism and recognize the risen Christ as present and your Savior.

Living God, we are still trying to be the people you would have us to be. Bless our community and our individual lives this Lent. Help us to remember our baptism and allow us to live into new life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tammy Berneking is a PW raising a 2 ½ yr old PK. No wonder she enjoys (needs) a Tanq & Tonic from time to time.