The voice on the waters

It is the Old Testament readings that strike me. Baptism for all of us is familiar. If there is one thing that I am dissatisfied with our (the A/G) belief in believer baptism, it is that it lacks the mystery and purpose I somehow feel is there.

The water spoken of in the creation story is formless, vast, and terrible. This water, dark and menacing is a good picture of chaos and death. Over this thunders the voice of God—creating life and order. The psalmist declares:

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

What a picture for our baptism. The creative and powerful voice of God speaks over us, creating new life as the old is lost in death and chaos. This is the voice that thundered at Jesus’ baptism and it is the voice that creates in us a clean heart.

The early church knew a baptism of fire that was more powerful yet. For not only are we immersed in death and brought to new life, but now we are immersed in the very Fire of God!