by Rob Schemerhorn
On the Sunday after Epiphany, the scripture reading is always the familiar story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. In the Presbyterian tradition, we generally baptize children, usually infants. In other faith traditions, persons are baptized when they are old enough to understand for themselves what the sacrament means, that God is accepting them as one of his own. Baptism creates a deep tie for the baptized and their church. It is certainly a very important moment in anyone’s life, regardless of what age it happens.
All four of the gospels recount Jesus’ baptism. They begin with John saying he was not the Messiah but was merely preparing the way. John said he recognized Jesus as the Savior and felt unworthy to baptize him. After the baptism, the heavens opened and God confirmed that Jesus was indeed the chosen one. Three of the four gospels have Jesus going into the desert for 40 days and nights, being tempted by Satan, and then returning to choose his disciples and begin his ministry.
We know this familiar story, and we accept it, often without thinking much about it. But really, it is an outlandish thing to do! What would you think if your 30 year old brother, or son, or friend, suddenly up and said ‘Oh, by the way, tomorrow I’m quitting my job as a carpenter, going to see that weirdo out by the river Jordan people have been talking about, and then spend the rest of my time here on Earth wandering around trying to explain to people what God really wants them to do for the sake of their own salvation.” Perfectly normal, right?
No, that’s probably not what we would think. We would think, “Why? Why leave a quiet, comfortable life, at the rather advanced age of 30 or so [remember life spans were quite a bit shorter 2000 years ago] and go do this thing? Why?”
The answer, I think, is that God needed a change in the way he dealt with us. The prophets had prophesied, the judges and kings had ruled, the nation of Israel had risen and fallen and risen and fallen many times. But the people were stuck when it came to their faith. What are the 6 words of a failing institution? “We’ve always done it that way.” God chose Jesus to forge a new understanding of his intentions, towards his people and how they should interact with each other.
The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of his ministry. We know that in his time he was considered a radical, someone who didn’t necessarily follow “the Rules”. He was all about change. Even our denomination is always changing. Ever hear the phrase ‘The reformed church, always reforming’? I think Jesus would like that phrase.
In some ways I regret not being able to recall my own baptism. For my little infant self, I couldn’t know how important a moment this was. God claimed me as an infant, and I have accepted his love. But I wonder, have I really changed?
This has been a time of change for our church. We have had 3 temporary pastors in the past 18 months, each of them with their own style. It was enjoyable; switching things up occasionally keeps the experience fresh. In February we will welcome our new pastor. There will be change. We’re all eager to see what they might be. Congregants have hopes and dreams they want to see come to fruition. Some of those hopes hearken back to our traditions, some are looking forward to innovative solutions to new challenges. Come what may, things will be different. We will change.
January is the time when many of us make resolutions aimed at improving our lives. Eat healthier, get regular sleep, clean out that closet in the back room. Here is mine- “Don’t be afraid”. I’m not going to be afraid of speaking up, or being kind, or saying no. One of the joys of getting older is being less afraid of what others think of you. There is no reason for being afraid of change.
The life and work of this church, this congregation will go on as long as we embrace, adopt and accept the idea that change is inevitable. Jesus knew it. He was called to be the voice that led to one of the greatest changes in history. While we may not remember our own baptism, there is no need for a ceremony for you to make a change in your life. When all else fails, try forgiveness. Be kind. Remember everyone seeks acceptance. Jesus showed us what love is. Resolve to be a person who changes with intent and the love of Christ in your heart.
Rob Schemerhorn is a lifelong member of Westminster Church, a Ruling Elder, and Clerk of Session. He is recently retired from Jordan Elbridge School District, after a long career as a Physics and Earth Science teacher, track coach and official.
On the Sunday after Epiphany, the scripture reading is always the familiar story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. In the Presbyterian tradition, we generally baptize children, usually infants. In other faith traditions, persons are baptized when they are old enough to understand for themselves what the sacrament means, that God is accepting them as one of his own. Baptism creates a deep tie for the baptized and their church. It is certainly a very important moment in anyone’s life, regardless of what age it happens.
All four of the gospels recount Jesus’ baptism. They begin with John saying he was not the Messiah but was merely preparing the way. John said he recognized Jesus as the Savior and felt unworthy to baptize him. After the baptism, the heavens opened and God confirmed that Jesus was indeed the chosen one. Three of the four gospels have Jesus going into the desert for 40 days and nights, being tempted by Satan, and then returning to choose his disciples and begin his ministry.
We know this familiar story, and we accept it, often without thinking much about it. But really, it is an outlandish thing to do! What would you think if your 30 year old brother, or son, or friend, suddenly up and said ‘Oh, by the way, tomorrow I’m quitting my job as a carpenter, going to see that weirdo out by the river Jordan people have been talking about, and then spend the rest of my time here on Earth wandering around trying to explain to people what God really wants them to do for the sake of their own salvation.” Perfectly normal, right?
No, that’s probably not what we would think. We would think, “Why? Why leave a quiet, comfortable life, at the rather advanced age of 30 or so [remember life spans were quite a bit shorter 2000 years ago] and go do this thing? Why?”
The answer, I think, is that God needed a change in the way he dealt with us. The prophets had prophesied, the judges and kings had ruled, the nation of Israel had risen and fallen and risen and fallen many times. But the people were stuck when it came to their faith. What are the 6 words of a failing institution? “We’ve always done it that way.” God chose Jesus to forge a new understanding of his intentions, towards his people and how they should interact with each other.
The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of his ministry. We know that in his time he was considered a radical, someone who didn’t necessarily follow “the Rules”. He was all about change. Even our denomination is always changing. Ever hear the phrase ‘The reformed church, always reforming’? I think Jesus would like that phrase.
In some ways I regret not being able to recall my own baptism. For my little infant self, I couldn’t know how important a moment this was. God claimed me as an infant, and I have accepted his love. But I wonder, have I really changed?
This has been a time of change for our church. We have had 3 temporary pastors in the past 18 months, each of them with their own style. It was enjoyable; switching things up occasionally keeps the experience fresh. In February we will welcome our new pastor. There will be change. We’re all eager to see what they might be. Congregants have hopes and dreams they want to see come to fruition. Some of those hopes hearken back to our traditions, some are looking forward to innovative solutions to new challenges. Come what may, things will be different. We will change.
January is the time when many of us make resolutions aimed at improving our lives. Eat healthier, get regular sleep, clean out that closet in the back room. Here is mine- “Don’t be afraid”. I’m not going to be afraid of speaking up, or being kind, or saying no. One of the joys of getting older is being less afraid of what others think of you. There is no reason for being afraid of change.
The life and work of this church, this congregation will go on as long as we embrace, adopt and accept the idea that change is inevitable. Jesus knew it. He was called to be the voice that led to one of the greatest changes in history. While we may not remember our own baptism, there is no need for a ceremony for you to make a change in your life. When all else fails, try forgiveness. Be kind. Remember everyone seeks acceptance. Jesus showed us what love is. Resolve to be a person who changes with intent and the love of Christ in your heart.
Rob Schemerhorn is a lifelong member of Westminster Church, a Ruling Elder, and Clerk of Session. He is recently retired from Jordan Elbridge School District, after a long career as a Physics and Earth Science teacher, track coach and official.
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