Like all the people gathered in Jerusalem in 2 Kings 23, we came together on Sunday morning to renew our commitment to God’s covenant with us—the new covenant made in Christ through his death and resurrection. We take part in this covenant by immersing ourselves in that very reality—Christ’s death and resurrection. This is why baptism is a covenant ritual, in which we are put to death, buried, and raised to new life.
A covenant is a promise, which means it connects the past, present, and future. A promise is made in the past, enacted and trusted in the present, to be fulfilled in the future. So to remember a promise pulls from the past and propels us into the future when Christ will come again to make all things new. We live toward this day when “the sea”—the gap between heaven and earth, the grave in which we were baptized—is no more.
Living into this promise means committing more than our good intentions. Slowly read and reflect on the Scriptures below. As you do, meditate on baptism—not just as a one-time event but as a way of life that holds together what Christ has done and what Christ will do. Actually imagine water—in all its cleansing, devastating, sculpting, and life-giving power—washing over your body and everything in your life. What in your life needs to be immersed into Christ's death and resurrection this year?
"When you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
"Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my distress,
that your promise gives me life."
(Psalm 119:49–50)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, that somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:10–11)
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Tomorrow on the Daily Connection: Deeper Dive Podcast on the Book of Revelation
About the Author
Nick Chambers is the Director of Spiritual Formation at Calvary UMC