We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that . . . we too may live a new life. (Rom. 6:4)
Expanded Passage: Romans 6:1-4
Some ancient Egyptian tombs contain honey. Though buried at the death of a king, when lifted from the tomb, it is found to be unspoiled and can be eaten as if it were one day old. Everything around it shows signs of decay; the honey does not. It is just as delicious as it ever was. A symbol of hope in the darkness.
In Paul’s time, Jewish baptism was viewed as washing away the impurities of the former Gentile life. Christian baptism was seen as something similar in that it symbolized leaving the old life behind and embracing the new life that Christ gives. Christian baptism—the act of immersion—was a picture of a person’s death and burial with Christ. For the first Christians, emerging from the water symbolized being raised to life with him. Out of his death, new life for believers was produced.
The life we have in Christ is a new life we live now. Amid struggles, we can continue because of our faith in—and our connection to—his death and resurrection. Christ died; Christ was raised. Through faith in him, we too are raised from death to life. And even while surrounded by the physical decay of a dying world, we must make sure that this new life in Christ continues to thrive in us, producing hope in others. Like honey from a tomb.
Live your life so that it is a source of hope for others.
Roland E. Cavanaugh is a Wesleyan pastor serving in North Carolina and administrator of an assistant living facility. He and his wife have ministered for thirty-five years.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
