October 4th 2006: Going Deeper

"I have a baptism to undergo..."

The path of death to self... the path to death and beyond... the surrender into the love of God... the going under in order to rise again.

First the path to crucifixion and resurrection... then the call for us, in turn, to follow.

This baptism was pre-figured so many times, this going under, this letting go and dependence on God... the Ark adrift on the face of the waters, far from safety, yet safe with God, and its landing, and God's covenant and words: 'Never Again'...

Joseph thrown into the pit that might have been the pit of death... and delivered... and a new life beyond...

The enclosing of the people indoors when death passed over in Egypt and so many were killed... followed indeed by the baptismal passage through the Red Sea, into the deeps, with the future seemingly far, far beyond...

Jonah's going down into the deeps inside the whale... "the only sign I will give... is the sign of Jonah" said Jesus later... and rising up again, delivered...

Walking through the valley of the shadow of death, good and mercy with him all the way, and a cup and banquet prepared, an overflowing joy

Ezekiel's valley of dry bones, the certainty of death, and the Spirit of life that God wants to breathe into us... death to self, and a risen life...

Daniel in the firy furnace, and Daniel in the lion's den... going down into the jaws of death... encounter with God in the baptismal ordeal... and deliverance to safety...

"Fear not, I have called you by name, you are mine..." the words of Isaiah... "when you pass through the waters, I will be with you... when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned... since you are precious and honoured in my sight and because I love you"...

"I have a baptism to undergo..." said Jesus.

But who is willing to follow?