After the conversation with Matthew and Heidi on Wednesday night about James's baptism this Sunday, it was nice to read yesterday (yeah, i'm a little late on this post) about the references to baptism in this text. Baptism is important, its not just something that "needs to be done." Baptism is a community event, it brings family and friends together to share witness and share promises to a child (or adult) that is being marked with the cross of Christ forever. In Acts, baptism is performed to bring people into the family of believers to allow people to declare publicly that Jesus is the Way (9:2). The entrance into the community of faith is just as important (at least in my opinion) as the individuals entrance into God's grace. Because it is within this community that the we grow. The book that Matthew gave us explains this with an image of a fruit tree. A fruit tree does not bear fruit because it decides to, or tries real hard. The tree bears fruit because it is nurtured through its surroundings.
Saul seems to be a man on his own persecuting the early church. Jesus intervenes and affects his life; opening his heart. However, it is not until a member of the community, Aranias, lays hands on him and baptizes him that the change is complete. After fulfilling his call in Damascus he goes to join the disciples, to be nourished by the family.
James, on Sunday, will be joining the community. We are all responsible to help him grow in faith. Praise God!
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