Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
Water is called The Universal Solvent because it dilutes and washes so many things. Its flow, whether we are showering, bathing, or dishwashing is rinsing away the grime. Cleansing is a major spiritual picture and the Bible speaks often of washing with water. It renews and resets so many things through that cleansing. The critical function it plays in life is a picture of our spiritual journey. In “believer’s baptism,” we don’t cleanse ourselves, but we make our initial pledge to follow God. Plunging our life in obedience and submission to the Father. Like Jesus, the Apostles, and so many believers before us, we pledge our lives to Christ. Paul reminds us that,
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that… we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4 ESV).
Buried means that like Christ was buried, our baptism is a picture of the death burial, and resurrection of Christ. In it we come out of the waters to live a new life, flowing in the will of God. Baptism has a dual nature, in that it is physical and spiritual simultaneously, our heart’s commitment and pledge. Thinking about this symbolism and the cleansing of water, Peter tells us,
“Baptism… now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21 ESV).
In this pledge, we promise to walk in His ways. Water flows with purpose and Jesus’ purpose becomes our purpose as we follow the Master and allow him to train us in all we do. We pledge our lives and become vessels of His grace, letting the Spirit flow through us. For our renewal and the renewal of those around us.
Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38 ESV).
Try This — Reflect today on the nature of water and the commitment it represents. Water sustains life as our pledge sustains our faith. Our actions are a reflection of our values and commitments. See if you can find a way to channel God’s grace more purposefully today.
Journal This — What does it mean for you to pledge your life to God? Consider how you might recommit and be more consistent with that promise. Are there other ways His grace can flow freely through your actions?
Following His moves,
–Glen
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