Devotional 7-23-10

As strange as it may seem it was in a Church History class while I was in Seminary that I first understood the true significance of the words “I am baptized!” It was while Dr. Goen, our professor, was lecturing on the Reformation era that he let the words fall on our ears, briefly paused, and proceeded to tell us this was the phrase Martin Luther repeated to himself time and time again when he was tempted in some way. It was by speaking these words; Luther later recorded that he would remind himself that he belonged to Christ. This reminder helped to move him to respond, as he believed Jesus would respond.

At first the phrase seemed almost childish to me. But the more I thought about them then and in the years since, the greater their impact has been on me. These three words reminded Luther and can remind us that Christ Jesus has claimed us. We are not possessions. We belong. We are family, included in the family of God. And because we are family we need with God’s help to live in ways that help us to become more Christ like on our journey through life.

Growing up, I recall hearing Dad say to my brothers and sisters before they could go out for the evening, “remember who you are” and “don’t do anything that will bring disgrace on the family name.” To me that is similar to Luther reminding himself of his baptism. In baptism he became and we become a new creation in Christ and part of the family we refer to as the church universal.

In the second chapter of Colossians verses 6-7 Paul reminds them and through them shares with us that: “as you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

We are called as Christians to uphold the family name. It is not a matter of works. It is rather a matter of being true to who we are by God’s grace. As family we come together to sing praise to God. As family we gather to hear God’s word proclaimed. As family we gather to receive the sacraments and as family we go forth to live as Christ’s witnesses sharing his love with others.

We have heard Pastor Jack tell us. Remember your baptism. We have also heard him remind us as new individuals are received into our church family at Johnson Memorial and into the church universal of the vows we also took to uphold the church with our tithes, our talents, our gifts, our service and the mission to which Christ Jesus calls us one and all. Our journey continues.

Prayer: O Holy Spirit, kindle anew within each of us the desire to share God’s love with all we meet this day and in the days to come. Fill us to overflowing with the love Christ Jesus has for one and all and send us forth in word and deed to share Christ’s love. Amen.

Rev. Thomas Malcolm