scripture reading: Acts 8:26–40

Water Works

You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved then, eight to be exact—saved from the water by the water. The waters of baptism do that for you, not by washing away dirt from your skin but by presenting you through Jesus’ resurrection before God with a clear conscience. (I Peter 3:20–21 The Message)

 

Let me try to illustrate the meaning of baptism by asking you to do something unusual. Imagine yourself a young camel called by Noah to join the other animals in the ark. Come on, just try it! What would ou be thinking? What would you be feeling? If you kept a diary, you might write something like this:

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April 5. I met a bearded old man at the watering hole today who must have been six hundred years old! He said a great flood was coming and all living creatures would die. If I followed him, however, I would find shelter and safety. Though mom and dad warned me never to go with strangers and though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the twinkle in his eye and the authority in his voice made me more afraid not to follow him than to follow him. Most of my friends think I’m crazy.

April 6. Sunny skies. The old man led me to his camp where he has assembled badgers, owls, elephants, caterpillars, pigs, zebras, and dodo birds. It’s a zoo! Every animal has a mate. He put me in a pen with a pretty female camel. This may turn out better than I thought.

April 8–15. Travelling north. The old man keeps reminding us of the coming destruction and the safety that has been provided for us. His message sounds so strange because the weather is so beautiful.

April 16. We made quite a spectacle when we arrived at the old man’s village. Neighbors gawked and some mocked, asking if he wanted to borrow their umbrella. Not a cloud in the sky. When we got to his house we discovered that he and his sons have built a humongous boat in his backyard!

April 20–May 15. Blue skies. Other animals keep joining us. The old man attracts some rather strange creatures! The boat is finished and appears to be seaworthy, though I notice it has no rudder.

May 16–26. Dark, ugly clouds fill the sky. The rains began on Tuesday, and I have the impression this downpour is going to last a long time. The old man and his sons worked all week getting us animals into the boat. Each couple has its own specially assigned place. I think I’m in love. Our accommodations are cramped, the food is bland, and the odors are interesting (!) but the storm on the outside enables us to easily tolerate any discomforts on the inside. The old man is very concerned about our welfare. For some reason he seems to love us. I can’t stop asking, “Why me? Why did he choose me?”

May 27. There is only one door into this menagerie, and this morning Someone slammed it shut!

May 28–July 8. Rain! I’ve never seen anything like it. The noise on the roof is deafening. We hear people on the outside screaming as they bang on the door wanting to be in here with us where it is safe. This makes the old man weep.

July 9. We’re moving! Remembering the absence of a rudder I asked the old man, “Who’s steering this crate?” He just winked and said, “God is our pilot.” Apparently our journey is going to be a long one. Strange: the same water that is destroying the world is carrying us to safety!

 

Baptism is faith in action.—watchman nee

 

point to ponder • Water is a symbol both of judgment and salvation, death and life.

prayer focus • Those who need to make a decision about baptism.