Day #2359

June 16, 2020 

Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Romans 6:4: Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (NRSV)

Once again, I find myself thinking of funeral services. This is an often read scripture in those times, because of the comfort that comes in knowing that with Christ, there is newness of life, even into the eternal future. 

But these words also bring comfort, and responsibility, for our lives now. Being buried with Christ in baptism into death means that his life meant more than simply teaching and healing, even though those were amazing qualities. Jesus’ life had a purpose, a reason for happening, that makes a difference right now. 

Again, God did not choose to send Jesus (God’s self) to earth for no reason. Or for the sole purpose of teaching and healing, important as they were for those who experienced them. There was a purpose that reached far into the future, and the past, and we are a part of that promise. 

So how can our lives not mean something, right now? How can our lives not be a living out of God’s mercy and grace, right now? How can our lives not mean newness of life and hope, right now? We are, after all, united with Jesus in a way that my mind cannot fully wrap around, yet the faith the Holy Spirit gives assures me of its truth. Should not our lives be lived as new, right now? And every day?!

Blessings. And prayers.