There is the story of the town where three buildings were overrun by squirrels—the town hall, the hardware store, and the church. The town hall brought in some cats. But after they tore up all the files, the mayor got rid of the predators, and soon the squirrels were back. The hardware store humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free outside town. But three days later, the squirrels climbed back in. Only the church came up with an effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and made them members. Now they see them only on Christmas and Easter! That’s a silly story that has been around for ages…but has a real message to it. Baptism as a Christian is a public declaration of faith and a visible commitment to believing and following Jesus Christ. In the early church when there was great opposition to people giving their loyalty to this Jesus of the Bible, your baptism could be your death sentence. And the same for attending gatherings where Jesus was worshiped as Lord and Savior. When we are baptized it means that we believe and share in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. In Matthew, chapter 10, Jesus said that everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. A person’s public baptism is that first chance to do that. But when we accept Christ into our lives and receive his forgiveness…we also commit to following him. And part of that is just worshiping with other believers. Hebrews chapter 10 reminds us to not neglect our meeting together (read going to church), as some people do, but to encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). So that silly little story has an important message…our lives will reflect the choices we have really made. No symbolism, by itself, has any power or meaning without actions to go with it. So don’t follow those squirrels and just show up for God on Easter and Christmas…but remember what you promised by your baptism…that Jesus is yours…and you are Jesus’s. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Matthew 10:32-33 NLT “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. (33) But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ
Matthew 10:32-33 NLT “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. (33) But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
Remember I’m praying for you…
PJ