SUNDAY, December. 22

Some of Jesus’ most memorable miracles happened in or around the great pools of water in Jerusalem. He healed an invalid beside the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:2-3). He sent a man who was born blind to wash his eyes in the Pool of Siloam, where he regained his sight (John 9:7).

Baptism, or “gathering of water” (Genesis 1:10), is a way of preparing oneself to be in the presence of the Lord. Going into the water one way and “turning” and coming out of the water a new way, refreshed and renewed. There is a healing and cleansing in the waters. We are believing for all the promises of God, including healing, deliverance, repentance, and joy. The Lord is using the waters as a touch point for the Holy Spirit and the fire of God to burn up anything that does not belong in us as believers. Sometimes, we may need multiple washings, letting go of old things and letting them die in the water. The blood of Jesus washes our sin away, but Baptism can represent renewal, cleansing, or even a request in your relationship with Jesus.