While sitting in Bible class this morning (Sunday), there was a statement made about some who think that Baptism is a “Peculiar” story. I thought to myself, why is that? Is it because it isn’t needed? Is it because it is just a dunk in the water for for no reason? Is it because I don’t want to do “That”? Just why would it be a Peculiar story? So I got to thinking about a few other “Peculiar” stories that are in the Bible.
The story of Naaman, who had leprosy. God told him to go to the river Jordan and dip seven times. Naaman did what God said and was cured of his leprosy. What if he only dipped six times? Would he have been cured? We don’t know for sure, but I doubt he would have. A “Peculiar” story? Maybe, but God told Naaman what to do, he did it, and it worked.
The story of Moses when God told him to speak to the rock and there would be water. Moses struck the rock instead. Water still occurred, however, it cost Moses his place in the promised land. He hadn’t done what God told him. A “Peculiar” story? Maybe, but God told Moses what to do and he didn’t do it. Costly mistake on Moses’s part.
The story of Lot and his wife after God had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for immorality (Homosexuality). He told them to leave and not look back. Lot’s wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. She hadn’t done what God said to do. A “Peculiar” story? Maybe, but God told them what to do and she didn’t obey Him. Costly mistake on her part.
The story of Noah and the building of the Ark. God gave him specific plans on what to use as materials and the exact size of it. Noah built it exactly as God had told him. By doing what God said, Noah saved his family and all the animals. Others were told about the flood that was coming, but didn’t do what God had said. A “Peculiar” story? Maybe, but Noah did what God said and was saved. The others–a costly mistake.
Now back to baptism. God says to repent and be baptized every one of you for the forgiveness of sins. God also says to obey my commands and I will prepare for you a place. We can see by the other stories that those who did what God says were taken care of. Those who didn’t do what God said made costly mistakes. Baptism–A “Peculiar” story? Maybe, but it appears to me that those who do what God says will be taken care and those who don’t do what God says will be making a costly mistake.
