Today is a continuation of this hope that is available to us - again William Willimon.
Politically, this means that Jesus' victory has left us with only one realm - the kingdom of God. Other principalities, whether they be those of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Satan, exist now only in our minds, in our constrained imaginations, as mere shadows of their former selves. Barth says that Satan's realm is a "shadow kingdom," a pseudo-kingdom that is no longer a significant threat to anybody now that Jesus Christ rules. "This kingdom is behind us and all (people). We and all (people) are released from ...this prison." The world has been exorcised. That's one reason why at baptism, we ask candidates for a renunciation of participation in the realm of evil and wickedness. Baptism is a sort of transfer of citizenship. Baptism into Christ saves. (1 Peter 3:21).
This really emphasizes the way we are of another kind. We are followers of Jesus - who brings life in and through all times. This is also why some authors call us "aliens" as we go about following Jesus. To be baptized into the is life sets us free from the powers that would try to make us into something other than the beloved of God. Therefore, our hope is not in what can happen within the powers of the world, our hope is in the One who creates and redeems and sanctifies who is pulls us into a life that does not depend on how well we can conform to the world. We are a people transformed into that which we cannot see clearly...but is a part of the promise - the hope - of life that shines like the Lord who leads us along the way. It is important to remember that as we walk in the gift of this new life, there are times when we must renounce evil and wickedness. Usually people see that as a need to point fingers. No. I think it has more to do with taking a step away from those powers and stepping in the promise of life already at hand in Jesus. It is a contrary way to go and yet it is a reality that is present. I like the sound of baptism being a "transfer of citizenship." It has that feeling of "among us..." Among us we welcome...we offer ourselves....we forgive...we embody justice and peace...we become mercy alive for all...
Connection: Baptism gives us a vision of how to live...and what is promised. Not a bad way to face whatever will come before us.
Lord of Life, continue to bless us with this water that drenches us and makes us citizens of your eternal Reign even as we live within the temporary powers of the day. Amen.
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