THE IMPLICATIONS OF GOOD NEWS

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  Romans 6:4

I was baptized at 14 in a little country Baptist church in upstate New York.  The familiar scriptures of Romans 6 were recited as I waited to be lowered into the water and then raised with Christ.  I must confess that I had no clue about the implications of what was happening to me.  I could have spouted bare truth, i.e. “buried with Christ and raised to new life in Christ.” What would this all mean for me later as I lived my thirties, forties, and fifties?  It would define the battle of my life and, most likely, yours as well.

I am no longer defined by sin and lies and that is worthy of great celebration.  I feel deep joy when I understand that I am not destined for death, but resurrection life.  What’s behind it though is daunting to apply.

Everything thought, every past lie spoken to me, every nickname I was called and I absorbed, and every untruth about God when I’m in pain, these are what I am called to examine.  Since I have been raised with Christ to new life, I am to shun and renounce any vestige of what Jesus died for.

Years of deception can send me plummeting without an understanding that there is spiritual disease that needs the cross.  I can easily dress in grave clothes and live in the darkness of an internal tomb.  Jesus is always standing just outside.  He is calling me out of darkness into the Light.  This is a daily battle.  Anything that is not of God’s kingdom must be recognized and dealt with.  Living in the Light can be intimidating, even frightening, and initially, always feels like I can barely grasp it.  With practice, walking in the Light becomes instinctive.  It is my new default.

Show me what’s in the dark.  Hold me by the hand as You do.  Amen