Wednesday, September 20, 2023
“As they continued
down the road, they came to a stream of water. The eunuch said, “Here’s water. Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the chariot to
stop. They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on the spot.” (Acts 8: 36 -37, The Message Bible)
On our family Messenger chat-site, our adult children have been complaining about the trials and tribulations of bath times for their own young children. It takes a lot of wheedling and coaxing. They resort to bribes like new water toys, goggles, etc. to persuade them to get in the tub. They play silly games – gas bubble games are particularly enjoyed, if you get my drift. But as I understand it, it can be a frustrating, tortuous, lengthy process for all involved before ears are clean and necks are scrubbed. All children go through this stage at one time or another.
Philip, a leader in the church, feels
led by the Spirit to travel on a wilderness road where he encounters an
important court official of the court of the queen of Ethiopia. The man is sitting
in his chariot, trying to make some sense out of the scripture he is reading.
He had been in Jerusalem and now was returning home. He appears to have been a proselyte
to Judaism. Philip invites himself into the chariot to help the eunuch understand
what he was reading. “The eunuch said, ‘Tell me, who is the
prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using
this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.” (8: 35, TMB)
Then, when the eunuch spied a
stream, he stopped his chariot and asked, “Why can’t I be baptized?” There was absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t
and couldn’t. “They both went down to the water, and Philip baptized him on
the spot.”
Consider the eunuch’s question.
Apply it to yourself perhaps. Why can’t I be baptized? I am not meaning just the meaningful and expressive
act of being baptized by water, but I am also meaning what is preventing you from a deep
and meaningful relationship with Christ? Are you fighting it? Resisting it? Perhaps,
you think it pointless or unnecessary. Perhaps, you have been already baptized,
ritually, in some way, but now the “water” seems a little cold and murky. It
takes a lot for you to feel clean and spotless. So, one way or another, we make excuses for
our lack of baptismal spirit, for resisting the Love of Christ in our lives. We have all sorts of excuses, complaints,
issues, struggles with the whole idea of plunging into a relationship with Jesus
Christ.
One part of this story that is
sometimes overlooked is the fact that the Ethiopian was a eunuch. Some might
argue that “people like him” should not be allowed in the fold. He wasn’t “normal”
enough. But the Good News, here, is the Love
of Christ is all-inclusive. There are no exceptions. And once an individual makes the decision to engage
Jesus, intentionally and decisively, there are no restrictions or limitations
on whom the Church recognizes as a brother or sister in Christ.
Baptism is a symbolic expression
of the life we gain in relationship with Jesus Christ. The rite itself is not
grace but points to God’s Grace through Christ. “By faith in Christ you are
in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing
you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith
wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise.” (Galatians
3:26 -27, TMB)
So, get wet! There is nothing
preventing you from making that decision or living out that decision for Christ.
Plunge into this relationship with mind, body and soul. Use water if you prefer
as part of your proclamation and declaration. But let nothing get in the way
between you and Jesus.
“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. Jesus has the
last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He’s standing right
alongside God, and what he says goes.” (1 Peter 3: 21-22, TMB)
Splish, splash!
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