As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matt 3:16-17; 4:1 NIV)
Immediately following Jesus' baptism, he is tempted. I have noticed that there seems to be, for many people who are baptized as older youth or adults or those who affirm their baptisms, a similar order to these things. I warn everyone who comes to me expressing their desire to be baptized or affirm their faith that they need to be aware that following in the footsteps of Jesus is not something that should be taken lightly. I also warn them that once they are baptized or affirm their baptisms, they will most probably see an increase in temptations. Faith affirming activities do not please the devil. Or, maybe they do. Maybe, he delights in the opportunity to try our faith through temptations.
I no longer can keep track of the teenagers and adults that I have known, who once they were baptized or affirmed their baptisms, have never again gathered with God's people to worship. Well, maybe some have come back for a wedding or funeral....
Take it seriously, even as Jesus was tempted, we will be tempted. Following in the footsteps is not something for the fainthearted. You will need strength, courage and above all the faith with which you have affirmed publicly. It makes me real edgy to hear the affirmations of young people who are professing their faith only as a practice of ritual and have no real sense of what they are about to step in to. I care about these children and fear that they do not really understand what they are promising God. If they are not actually armed with the faith in Christ that they publicly profess they are going to have a rougher time than any of them can possibly expect.
It is wise when we affirm our faith and share the good news to be prepared to cling to the one who was able to resist temptation so that we might make it through those troubling times (which the devil will indeed tempt you with) with our faith still intact.
The Sacraments and rites of the church are more than empty rituals. They are more than stepping stones on life's way. Playing with them, without any understanding of them is as dangerous as a baby playing with fire. There is a purpose to each of them for the growth and the edification of the Church and for you. If you're not sure about them, see me or better yet; come to Worship and/or Bible Study and get the bigger picture.
May God help us, as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to stand firm against all temptations.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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