Downstream from Baptism: A Lenten Meditation

SCRIPTURE ­­­­­When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land! Romans 6:3 MSG

THOUGHT Over the years I’ve enjoyed country music because it so often made me laugh. One lyric I still chuckle over is Randy Travis’, “Pray for the Fish.” It describes the river baptism of a well-known trouble-maker, and how when he goes under – not once, but twice for good measure – it’s the fish downstream who need prayer.

Even though it’s a musical joke, the question is real and Lent was historically the time to prepare new believers for baptism. So, where does my sin go when I identify with Christ’s death and burial in the waters of baptism? According to God, it’s not just downstream, it’s “as far as the east is from the west.” (Ps. 103:12). That’s some mysterious place we know nothing about, and it’s good to pause occasionally and remember the relief of the water flowing over us, cleansing, pure, and carrying a river of sin God only knows where – or perhaps he has forgotten that as well.

This is Lenten preparation and Easter celebration both: forgiveness, paid for by a sinless Savior, who was himself baptized and asked us to follow his lead.

PRAYER Resurrected One, we identify with your burial in baptism. And coming up out of the water, we identify with your new life, resurrected! Help us come fully alive in this new country of grace.