it’s dangerous.

I’ve spent the past week explaining to Elijah (my 3-year-old) what baptism is.

This morning we are dunking (around here we call it: “doing the oreo”) 18 people who have confessed with their mouths that Jesus is Lord.

So, naturally, having seen the moveable baptistry tank we have here at ourchurch, Eli’s curiosity was tickled and he had several questions. He wondered if I was going to go under water, or if I was going to stand; he wanted to know if I was going to wear a swimsuit or my clothes. He also wanted a rationale answer as to why people get baptized. I purported:

Me: “People get baptized because they love Jesus. Do you love Jesus, Eli?”

Eli: “I do love Jesus.”

Me: “Well, do you want to get baptized?”

Eli: “No, daddy.”

Me: “Why not?”

Eli: “Because it’s dangerous.”

What a striking remark. Without even knowing it, he nailed the entire thing on the head. Baptism is a signpost for the world to see what discipleship truly is: that is, taking up your cross—dying to yourself—and choosing Jesus as the True Lord and Savior of the world. It’s dangerous following the crucified Messiah. Your life will NEVER be the same. Suffering will become your new reality as you are sent on Mission to heal and restore a broken world. Your old self is crucified with Christ, and as you come out of the waters, your new creation-life has begun. It’s dangerous.