1 Peter 3:18-22
Have you ever seen one of those news-magazine shows? Something like Dateline or 20/20 when they go into a “clean” hotel room and turn on a black-light to show dust, stains, and general uncleanliness? Cups have lipstick residue, beds have dust and mites, the carpet has footprints. It is not a pleasant sight. It makes you wonder what, if anything, is being cleaned? Is the work being done to the hotel room really doing anything, or is it a ceremony?
The writer of First Peter is taking on this question as it relates to baptism. Baptism, the writer says, is not a removal of dirt from the body but a symbol of God’s graciousness and obedience. Yes, it symbolizes us being made clean, but there is still work to be done. After baptism, we can find ourselves like the hotel room that may be clean or appear to be clean, but there is work yet to be done. Our purity does not come from one act alone, but through a daily renewal and repentance. We accept God’s grace and forgiveness and respond by going out into the world.
After Jesus was baptized, his ministry did not end, it began. On this Saturday, as we prepare to go to worship, may we receive the cleansing power, but also accept the call to go out into the world.
Prayer: We give thanks that Christ suffered sins once for all and was made alive in the Spirit. Give us that same power, peace, and patience throughout this season of Lent. Amen.
