Having slipped behind a bit (too much use of the ‘back’ button without checking I think), I need to get back on track and reckon now that the Lectionary for next Sunday is this.
Jesus was baptised. It signals a beginning for him – he has a ministry (serving) ahead of him. It signals his solidarity with the imperfect human race. It signals a death followed by a new life. It signals his special place in God’s intention for the world (“And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”) (“Well pleased, my son”, sounds a bit London to me.) It signals much more.
The meaning of baptism is also in the emotional impact. It’s not quite so obvious when an infant gets dabbed: but when someone older goes right under and is brought up again, with all their friends around, that is a big deal.
In Psalm 29 we read about the voice of God thundering over the mighty waters. It keeps amazing me that something so familiar, and so – well – liquid can also be so powerful, in the sea, in waterfalls, in destruction and in creating power.
