Waters of Deliverance: Echoes of Exodus in the Baptism of Christ #1097

Waters of Deliverance: Echoes of Exodus in the Baptism of Christ Across the sands of time and tide, The water whispers tales of yore, Of Israel's sons beneath night's cover, Through parted seas to freedom's shore. In Moses’ wake, the waves embraced, Their bondage washed in Red Sea’s fold, A nation’s birth through water’s grace, From chains of Egypt, stern and cold. Upon the sands, a law was penned, A covenant of stone and flame, Where water marked the journey's start, A people claimed by sacred name. Then came the voice in wilderness, By Jordan's banks, a prophet’s call, “Repent, return,” cried he who dressed In camel's hair, and ate locusts' thrall. John baptized in the flowing stream, A ritual old as sin's first stain, Prepared the way for Light's bright beam, For One to come and break our chain. In Jordan’s waters, gentle dove, The heavens tore, the Spirit’s plea, “Behold, My Son, in whom I love,” Echoed as He rose from sea. No mere compliance to the Law, But grace unfolded, mercy’s hand, Jesus stood, without a flaw, And ushered in the promised land. From bondage now to sin's dark reign, Through life and death, a path He trod, That through His resurrection’s gain, We rise to life, in grace, by God. So waters deep, now tell the tale, Of exodus from sin's harsh night, Where through the Spirit we prevail, Baptized into His wondrous light. Written by Steven G. Lee (April 29, 2024)