Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Baptism: Submitting to the
Giver
Judges 13: 1-14
Vs.5 You will
become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor
because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will
take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines."
The book of Judges tells us about Israel being in disarray. God’s
judgement was upon them as they continued to persist in sin and moral failure.
The book reminds us that the assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation, in a
broken relationship with God, is given to us.
We have read about the birth of Samson. The angel of the Lord had
spoken and assured a child for Manoah and his wife. They were looking forward
in faith and hope, as they were childless. The angel of the Lord reminds them
that the child born to them is to be a Nazirite, that is, to be set apart for
God’s service (Num 6:1-21). The parents received this message with faith.
Samson led the people of Israel as a judge for 20 years, in the days of
oppression by the Philistines. He served God, but had challenges during his
service. He fulfilled his vow, and was committed to God who had called him.
It is a time for us to remember the vows taken at the time of our
baptism. In the Mar Thoma liturgy of Holy Baptism, the godparent, along with
the parents are asked to repeat an oath “Renouncing Satan, I fully believe in
Jesus Christ.” This is a vow that is taken in the presence of God. Those who
have gathered also are asked to affirm their responsibility in raising the
child in faith. This is a communal experience. This is the manner in which we
can be a part of the salvific experience. Being submissive and committed to the
Lord also means that we bring others into that experience.
Paul in his first letter to Timothy, Chapter 2: 3-4 says,
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and
to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Although we have committed ourselves to
the Lord, the desires of the flesh cause us to sin. Samson was set apart, but
also sinned. We come to worship together as a faith community. Being partakers
of the Lord’s table, we have a responsibility to encourage each other in our
commitment and faith in the Lord. Struggle is a reality of human life, and we
need to encourage each other as believers.
PRAYER
Lord God, help
us to understand that we have been baptized and set apart as your children. We
have made a commitment. Help us to live our lives, fulfilling this commitment.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Let us persist in our commitment to
the Lord. If we are not committed, how can we bring others into this
commitment?
Rev. Dennis Abraham, Youth Chaplain, South East Region