Baptism!

I had the joy of participating in a baptism of an infant yesterday at East Lanier Community Church (Alan Foster, pastor). It was so encouraging to me to see Alan and the church God has grown up there. And it is always a privilege to be part of a baptism.

Our people have been identifying themselves as a community set apart since the time of Abraham and I was reminded once again of my baptism. (Not that I remember it as I was a baby) but, I can still reflect on it as I know it happened. At the moment of baptism I was joined to the covenant community. It was later that the Holy Spirit did a "regenerative" work in me, but I was a "child of the covenant" from the earliest days of my life. By the way, I had no choice in the matter. I was passive. That has rich symbolism. Water was poured on my head in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and I received it.

At the moment of baptism, I was part of the family. Even though I did not act like it often, and often rebelled against it, I was part of the family. And eventually I came to see the beauty of being adopted and set apart.

So I encourage you this week to remember your baptism. And for those of you who have received the salvation that comes from faith and repentance, give thanks. You are part of the eternal family of God through Jesus the Son!