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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 7, 2006 Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, January 7, 2006 by Gary Shaffer
There was a time in my life when I seriously considered getting a tattoo. I know for some that this would not have been the major spiritual struggle that it developed into for me. But it was a decision I struggled with and prayed over for many months. I am not sure that the issue was ever definitively resolved – but I will admit that I don’t have any tattoos. The tattoo I wanted was of a baptismal shell. It was to go on the back of my left hand between my thumb and my forefinger. It was to remind me every day, every time I saw my hand that I was baptized. When I read the paper, books, magazines – I would see the shell tattoo right there on my left hand. When I wrote, or was drafting or even eating it would be there – this reminder that I was baptized and that was a very powerful claim by God on my life.
I had come through a period in my life which seemed to be too many questions, too few answers. I attended several house churches, bible study groups, visited several different churches of quite diverse denomination and worship. The validity if my baptism had been challenged and just when I was seriously considering the need for a new and “correct” baptism I met someone who was being baptized for the third time. It seems that their infant baptism had been challenged so they were baptized again as an adult through immersion and they were quite content that this new baptism was correct. That is until the church they were attending split because one of the leaders was filled with the wisdom that the baptisms they were performing were not correct. You see the scripture says that we are to go “forward into our faith” and they were leaning those being baptized backward into the water. That must be why so many people continued to struggle with doubts and temptation.
I went back to my roots and rediscovered Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. The section on baptism is a very wonderful explanation of the gift and the basis of the power of baptism.
“What gifts or benefits does baptism bestow?
It effects forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and grants eternal salvation to all who believe, as the Word and promise of God declare.”
Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
In reading the scripture for today’s devotion and in reviewing Luther’s Catechism I remember why I wanted that tattoo. Maybe it would not have been the best way, but I realize I need to be reminded every day that I am baptized and that means I have been welcomed into a new life through the grace of God.
Dear
Lord, help me to remember and realize all of the power and gifts that have been
bestowed upon me through my baptism. Renew in me the gift of new life given in
baptism and the grace through which it has been delivered. Amen
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