Dear Fellow Children of God,
I made a
mistake-again. I regret an action I took,
or didn’t take. But, sometimes we
struggle with change and we don’t see all the opportunity that lays before us if
we would just consider doing things a little differently than we have done them
in the past. Let me explain.
I was fishing for
red salmon on the Kenai River on August 14 and 15. That trip was quite enjoyable. But, the joy I find in fishing is not just
working to catch fish and actually landing them. Another joy I find is in the relationships that
can be built as people spend time together and relate to one another while
fishing, sharing what is happening in their lives. So, when I arrived on the banks of the Kenai
River on Thursday morning, August 14, I was greeted by a young mother. She asked me politely, “Would you please keep
a distance of at least 6 feet? I have a
daughter who is ill.” As we talked I
learned that her daughter had liver problems, lung problems, and other serious
health issues. We found a connection in
that her daughter had been treated for many years since very early in life at
Shands Hospital (UF Health) in Gainesville, Florida. Gainesville is where my family moved with my
dad’s job in 1965, and continues to reside in that general area.
But, I didn’t
see the woman’s daughter. She had to
spend the night with Grandma because of her health issues. So, imagine my surprise when this little girl
arrives to fish and play on the river with mom and others, running around like
a normal healthy child. And, this active
little girl likes dogs. I often take my
dog, Mat, fishing. Mat is friendly with
anyone who will pet him, or especially who will feed him. Mat and this little girl became fast friends. She even asked me to leave Mat with her
overnight.
The next day,
Friday, August 15, turned out to be an even better day for fishing. Again his little girl, her name is Trinity, was
not at first present because she had spent the night with Grandma. I had felt a connection with Trinity on
Thursday, and had prayed for her and her health concerns on Thursday night as I
went to bed. I missed seeing her on
Friday morning. But then, the family picked
her up to fish with them, and she arrived early in the afternoon. She told me she was glad I was still there fishing. I was glad to see her too.
While fishing,
another fisherman asked me what I did. I
shared that I was a retired pastor. Trinity’s
mom heard that conversation. Later I
shared with Trinity’s mom that I had prayed for Trinity and for the family. We got to talking and I mentioned that I had
written a devotion that might apply to our conversation. Right away mom looked up the devotion on The
Frontiersman’s web site.
But, I needed
to get home Friday evening, so I cleaned my fish and packed up to leave. As I got ready to crawl into my boat, Trinity
came over to me and asked me “Will you baptize me?” I had tears in my eyes. Mom explained that the family had talked about
baptism for quite a while but, even before COVID-19, Trinity has been
susceptible to illness and infection and has not gone out into crowds, and therefore
had not attended regular worship at a Christian Church. That could be dangerous to her health.
Here is where
I made my mistake. When I have baptized
people in the past, I have always first taught a short Bible Study, looking at
verses from Scripture that discuss baptism.
We usually read Matthew 28:19-20 and see that baptism and teaching, that
God’s sacrament and His Word, are the means or tools our Lord uses to make
disciples. We look at Mark 16:15-16, or
at 1 Peter 3:21, or John 3:3-5, to see that baptism is a tool God uses even to save us.
In these studies preparing for baptism we consider Ephesians 5:26, where
baptism is described as “. . . the
washing with water through the Word,” showing that God’s Word is the power
with the water to baptize the individual.
We also study Acts 2:38-39 where Peter explains that when a person is
baptized, they are forgiven, they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and they
are called to God. I ask people and
families being baptized to look at these Scriptures, and maybe some other
verses too. Then I ask, “Who is doing
the action in a baptism? Is it the person
being baptized who acts, or is it God?”
In study and discussion we see that baptism is God’s gift, or God’s
grace in the life of the person being baptized.
Then, understanding how God works, we plan the baptism. That was my practice and custom as pastor
when working towards baptism with someone.
So, I replied
to Trinity and to her mom that I usually like to have a Bible Study before the
baptism so people understand what is happening.
I gave them my contact information and asked, “What if we go through a
class by phone? I’ll be back on the
Kenai on August 29 and 30. We could do
the baptism on August 30 after worship is over at Sterling Lutheran Church. Would that work?” We agreed to this plan, but then . . . I
never heard from them again, and Trinity did not get baptized, at least not by
me. I kept waiting to hear from
them. I tried to find them, but I was
unsuccessful and greatly disappointed.
I realized that
I had made a mistake. In Acts 8 Philip
encounters an Ethiopian eunuch, who is reading from Isaiah 53. After some questions and answers in which
Philip explains that the subject of Isaiah 53 is Jesus, and as Philip explains
how God works to save people, we are told, “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch
said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?’" (Acts 8:36)
Philip baptized this Ethiopian official right there in the water beside
the road! He seized the opportunity God
had given.
I believe that
I made a mistake in not letting God wash and forgive, and in not letting God give
the gift of the Holy Spirit, and call, and save Trinity right there in the
Kenai River. I had my phone, with many
Bibles on my phone. We could have looked
at Scriptures and let God work through baptism right there. But, I guess I remembered the pattern of
baptisms from my past, and let that pattern get in the way of the opportunity
right before me. I regret my decision.
In 2 Corinthians 6 Paul talks about the urgency of faith. He writes to the church, “1 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. 2
For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation
I helped you.’ I tell you, now
is the time of God's favor, now
is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) Thankfully, God is always present in
Jesus to work in our lives and to save us.
God’s time is NOW!
I wonder what other opportunities to receive and to share
God’s grace I have missed. Do I let past patterns get in the way of current
opportunities? How about you? Do you remember times you have missed
receiving or sharing God’s love in Jesus?
A Child of God, Regretting that I Did not Take the
Opportunity That God Gave Me,
Pastor Jonathan
P.S. I harvested in our garden on September
21. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/NRbVkiinNDQ7b4t79
P.P.S. Here are
some fishing pictures.
·
From that August 14-15 trip to the Kenai River. https://photos.app.goo.gl/2chiLZEAUsA4PB61A
·
I did fish on the Kenai on September 15. However, I only caught a few pinks. I found low water and had to get unstuck from
the mud! No pictures.
P.P.P.S. Here is
the Bible Study I use when discussing baptisms.
BAPTISM
Matthew 28:18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All
authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I
have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age."
IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT? When a parent leaving their child at home
alone, the instructions the parent leaves are important to that parent. Jesus is speaking here right before leaving
this world. What he tells his disciples
is important. Baptism, is obviously
important
HOW DOES GOD MAKE DISCIPLES? According to this verse, God makes
disciples by BAPTIZING and teaching. God
works through baptism to make disciples.
************
Titus 3:3-5 3 At one time we too were
foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and
pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love
of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but
because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and
renewal by the Holy Spirit,
1 Peter 3:21 . . . baptism that now saves you also
- not the removal of dirt from the body
but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Mark 16:15-16 15 He said to them, "Go into
all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and
is baptized will be saved, but
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
John 3:3-8-. . ."Jesus declared, "No one
can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." How can a man be born when he is old?"
Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot
enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless
he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh
gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying,
'You must be born again.' The wind blows
wherever it pleases. You hear its sound,
but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the
Spirit."
WHAT DOES GOD DO THROUGH BAPTISM? In baptism, God
works to save people. In baptism,
through the water and the Spirit, God gives new life, a life of faith, and
eternal life.
*****************
Ephesians 5:26-. . .to make her (the church) holy,
cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.
Acts 2:38-39
38
Peter
replied, "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. 39
The
promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off
-- for all whom the Lord our God will call." (NIV)
HOW DOES GOD DO THIS? According to Ephesians, it is the WORD of God
with the water that is God's power at work in baptism. According to Acts 2, God works salvation
in us through baptism by FORGIVING OUR SINS and GIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT. Water points to a washing or cleansing, or
the forgiveness. In giving the Spirit,
God gives faith, or strengthens faith.
God works to save us in baptism through the gifts of faith and
forgiveness.
****************
LOOK AGAIN AT ACTS
2
1. Who
accomplishes the blessings of baptism, God or the individual? It is GOD who makes disciples, saves,
forgives sins, and gives the Spirit.
2. According to
verse 39, who is baptism and God's promise for?
(see also Matthew 28) The promise
is even for CHILDREN. In fact, all
nations points to baptizing children as well.
1. The Bible does
NOT say not to baptize infants.
2. Jesus DOES say
to baptize 'all nations.' Infants are
part of all nations.
3. In Acts 2 we
are told that in baptism GOD 1) forgives our sins and 2) gives the Holy
Spirit. This is not what WE do. God accomplishes these things. Therefore, the emphasis that WE must be old
enough to commit OURSELVES is not a scriptural emphasis to baptism.
4. Acts 2:39 says,
"This promise is for . . .your children."
5. Infants are
sinful and need the forgiveness offered in baptism.
Romans 3:10-12-There is no one righteous, not even
one; there is no one who understands, no
one who seeks God. All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good, not even one.
Psalm 51:5-Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful
from the time my mother conceived me.
6. Infants can
believe according to THE BIBLE!
Luke 18:15-16-People were also bringing BABIES to
Jesus to have him touch them. When the
disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to
such as these. I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never
enter it. (also Matthew 18:6)
7. In the Bible,
baptism is compared to circumcision, which was performed on male babies at the
age of 8 days.
Colossians 2:11-14-In him you were also
circumcised. In the putting off of the
sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by men but with the circumcision
done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, and raised with
him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the
dead. When you were dead in your sins
and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with
Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and
that stood opposed to us; he took it
away, nailing it to the cross.
8. The Bible
speaks of Baptizing whole households.
Acts 16:30-33-He then brought them out and asked,
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved-you
and your household." Then they
spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took
them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were
baptized.
FOR THESE REASONS WE BELIEVE IN BAPTIZING INFANTS
****************
HOW DO WE RECEIVE THE BLESSINGS OF BAPTISM?
(Colossians 2 again) Through FAITH. In a
mystery, God not only gives faith in baptism, but it is through faith that we
continue to receive the blessings of baptism.
That is why it is important that parents raise their children knowing
the Lord and his love.
******************
Romans 6:3-4-Or don't you know that all of us who
were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through
baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
WHAT DOES GOD DO FOR US IN BAPTISM - WHAT HAPPENS IN
OUR LIVES?? In baptism God joins us with Jesus in death. According to Colossians, this is death to
sin. God also raises us with Jesus to
new life. REPENTANCE is a description of
the life of dying to sin and turning to God for new life. In baptism, God leads us to a life of
repentance.
Romans 6:5-11 - 5 If we have been united with him like this in
his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified
with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no
longer be slaves to sin– 7 because anyone who has died has been freed from
sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we
believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was
raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he
lives to God.
What is our RESPONSE? BECAUSE of God’s love for us
in Baptism, we respond with lives that live for Him. By His forgiveness, His Spirit, His power, we
are “dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
*****
ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now
retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer,
AK. My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the
Pastor." However, with life's changes I now call the devotion
"Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." I am only sending
this message to those who have asked to receive it. If you know someone
else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.
I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on
my Facebook page.
HOWEVER, A NUMBER
OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS. Since I’m only sending these e-mails to
people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages. BUT, if you read this on Facebook and like to
receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to
receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add
you to my distribution list.
Child of God
Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather
Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church
907-841-4066 – cell
907-746-5131 – home
E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net
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