More Powerful than Water

Water is powerful. A flood can destroy your house in a second. An unchecked drip can rot your house over a several year period. Besides being powerful, water also brings something powerful.

 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Peter spoke these words, from today’s reading, Acts 2:29-41, in Jerusalem during Pentecost.

 

What a blessing baptism is. Water and the Word of God: a common liquid coupled with profound wisdom that transcends human understanding. Baptism.  Simple, but effective.

 

The Lord saved the Jews from Pharaoh’s army about 3400 years ago. The Jews were slaves in Egypt, and Moses was God’s instrument to afflict the Egyptians with 10 plagues. Eventually Pharaoh relented and released the Jews. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to crush the Jews. God parted the waters of the Red Sea allowing the Jews to cross. With the Egyptians still on the sea bed, God released the water and the army drowned.

 

God used water to save the Jews from its enemy.

 

When we are baptized, Satan, can no longer touch us. Sure, he can wreak havoc in our lives, but our souls belong to God.

 

God uses water to save Christians from its enemy.

 

Joshua led the Jews through the Jordan River to Canaan. Out of water, the Jews came to their Promised Land.

 

Our baptism ensures us eternal life with God. Out of water, Christians come to their promised land, Heaven.

A theologian would say baptism Justifies us. That is, baptism makes us right with God.

 

Baptism is more than that. Peter tells us the Holy Spirit enters us on our baptism.

 

The Holy Spirit allows us to have faith and be aware of, if not fully understand, God’s Plan and Christ’s Mission. In addition, it equips us with the skills necessary to carry out that Mission, the Mission of the Church.

 

Baptism also Sanctifies us. It allows us to reach out to others.

 

Baptism: Justification and Sanctification!

 

Yes, water brings the Holy Spirit, more powerful than water itself!

Joshua 3:1-17

Joshua 3:5 (NIV) "Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

God did amazing things among them, parting the Jordan River much like He parted the Red Sea. This is yet another fascinating story of courage and mysterious happenings.  Once Joshua and his people prepared to take the first step into the Promised Land, God ushered them in with a triumphal fanfare. God used the crossing of the Jordan River to build up His people in the eyes of their enemies.  Their reputation preceded them as they entered their new land. Anyone who wanted to do them harm, would think twice.

God still does amazing things; and some of them as stupendous as parting the waters so His people could pass through.  Joshua prayed to God for help and guidance on his journey, and we too must be prayerful on our journey.  "God said to Joshua, "This very day I will begin to make you great in the eyes of all Israel. They'll see for themselves that I'm with you in the same way that I was with Moses." (Joshua 3:7)

The roads we travel during our lifetime will be different from the Israelite's path, but they will be filled with just as much uncertainty and trouble.  There will be times when only God can save us.  During those times we, like Joshua, will be compelled to turn to Him for understanding and for wisdom to select the right path.  

When co-workers and neighbors witness our faithfulness during these hard times, they will see that God is with us.  Perhaps they will even ask us about the hope we are clinging to and we can tell them all about it. Are you in the midst of a challenging path right now?  We would love to pray for you.  We hope you feel encouraged to share the burden you are carrying and allow us to pray for you.  You may comment below or email here.

Read Joshua 3:1-17 here

Listen to Joshua 3:1-17 here