“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18)
The Lord does not send us to baptize, for baptism means to immerse. Christ is the One who immerses those who are His into Himself. But as Paul said elsewhere, how can they hear if one does not preach. We are sent to share the Good News of Christ, for that is what the word evangelize means. Share the cross of Christ and those who belong to Him will rejoice in the Lord.
Lord, I cannot save myself, let alone another. Guide me, O Lord, to see that I am sent by You to share what You have given me. Guide me in the way of truth that I may share truthfully what You have given me. Lead me according to Your goodness to live into the Gospel which You have given me that I may now and always live in the wisdom of the truth which is in You.
Lord Jesus, in You alone is the hope of all people. Lead me in the way of the cross that I may die to sin, death, the devil, and myself. Raise me up to see that only in You is the hope of eternity. Guide me in the way of truth that I may now and always abide in You and You in me. Immerse me in the way You have established and lead me according to the Father’s will to do what is pleasing in His sight. Amen.
