The baptismal pool is set, refreshing the sanctuary with its pristine waters and clean scent. Music is played and sung by the lead chorister, encouraging the members to partake in a joyous time. Scriptures and vows have been spoken and recited. The deacons, deaconesses, and ushers are in their proper place to prepare for the holy event. Ministers of various levels and the family members of those who have chosen God to be their Lord are there. Baptism is about to commence, and the candidates are ready to declare openly before the people and Jesus Christ about their intentions to live the rest of their lives Holy and under God’s commands. The modern-day baptism might not include a dove and booming voice to accompany the baptismal proclamation, but it’s still special and means everything to those who enter the water.
When Jesus was baptized, He set the precedent of its importance, and all people who want to choose God should also take the plunge. Baptism isn’t just a means of wiping away sins. Many often use its watery grave to symbolize that. In reality, for humans, it makes sense, considering that we are sinful beings, constantly doing things against God’s will. However, Jesus was perfect before, during, and after baptism. He still went down. This means that baptism isn’t just a means for eliminating sin but a declaration to the world that we are not ashamed of God and will openly stand for Him.
Being baptized is remarkable and an honor. We can’t overlook its importance, nor should we look at this ritual in the same light as brushing our teeth, putting gas in the car, or getting our favorite meal once a week because it’s a family tradition. Instead, we must realize that when we make vows before God to serve Him, we mean that being baptized is the same covenant with God as people make with each other during a wedding ceremony. There is a specialness to the wedding that relays the joining of two people for a common goal and relationship. Baptism is special because it relays a bond between mortal people with an eternal God for His purposes and a loving relationship. Starting with your intent to serve God does not come without pitfalls.
After being baptized, Jesus went to the wilderness for prayer and then was tempted. He was pressured to go against the very life he had openly chosen before the people. As we continue to read the book of Mark, we’ll see that this wasn’t the only time that Jesus was questioned, tested, or even downright attacked. In all four Bible Gospels, Jesus' ministry did not start until after He was baptized. All four gospels mention John the Baptist preparing the way for Him, and we will learn and understand how Christ took up the mantle and began to do fantastic works. The same can and will be said for us.
Before being baptized, a person is learning to get to know God. Information is being built, and wisdom is being cultivated in their spiritual lives. A person is learning to be what God has called them to be but hasn’t quite reached the breakout state necessary to fly and carry the gospel. Butterflies go through various stages before they’re ready to become adult Butterflies and migrate to warmer climates. So must a person choose God and eventually be baptized. The person has a growth period before they go into the baptismal pool or some large body of water and openly declare their decision to choose God.
Nonetheless, choosing God does not mean that life gets easier. No different than Jesus, a person who chooses to be baptized might undergo trials, tests, and tribulations. Life will not immediately get more accessible, but in reality, a bullseye has been placed upon the person who has now chosen the Lord. By showing with actions of your intent to serve God, it now means Satan and his deceiving minions will come after you with the fullest extent of their power. They will not rest until they believe you have now walked back your commitment to God and are safely in their grasp. What is the best way to overcome this? Jesus gave the answer.
Through prayer, Christ showed us how to overcome any temptation and problem that will come into our lives. After Baptism, Jesus went into a serious prayer session that lasted multiple days. Then, after the temptation, we will see that throughout the book of Mark, Christ is recorded as using prayer to constantly strengthen his devotion to God to show us what we need to do. We must follow this plan and do the same as Jesus.
Whenever you get a chance, never bypass prayer. Getting baptized is now the start of your faithful ministry to God. Baptism is not the pinnacle of your life, just the beginning of it. A person must pray even more after baptism than before getting into the water. Use each day and moment that you can to communicate with God. Talk and, of course, listen. Learn what you can and use those moments to strengthen spiritually to defend against the attacks of evil and deception.