When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Isaiah 43 v2
This artwork is at the front of our Baptist church: made by one of our talented members, it has been the backdrop for many believers’ baptisms.
Baptism is a precious part of our tradition, marking the beginning of the next stage of discipleship. It is a bold public witness, and an opportunity for personal testimony- the story, OUR story, of how we have come to living faith in Christ.
These words from Isaiah remind everyone of God’s choice and our redemption. Isaiah does not sugar-coat the message! We WILL go through fire and deep water, just as Israel has done. God will still be with us.
Sometimes I have wished for a “safe and soft” life. You know, being trouble-free, healthy, wealthy, and loved by everyone. If that were Christianity, faith would be popular. If I could count on God to be a super-powerful bodyguard, keeping me safe and comfortable, and making sure that problems only afflicted other people, people would be queueing up to belong! Jesus is neither safe nor soft.
“If anyone desires to come after Me,
he must deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23.
It’s in following that the promises of the Lord are fulfilled. Through the deep waters, the flames, and at the Cross is where we discover Jesus upholding us. After all, He has gone in front of us and knows every step on the path.
And, of course, the New Testament speaks of fire and water repeatedly. The fire of Pentecost, the Living Water of Christ in us born of the Spirit, and the water of baptism. Bring it on!
The Reflectionary 