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Cup of Refreshing Water offered from Friday, August 23, 2002 Return to Devotions People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Mark 10 13-16 Grace and peace, Wednesday I had one of the most moving experiences I have had in 23 years of ministry. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Anne Arundel Hospital, I baptized 26 day old twins McKenna and Tyler. These beautiful children were born 3 months premature. When I first saw them they each weighed about 2 and a half pounds. If you have never been in a NICU, just imagine any intensive care room in a modern hospital. Lots of lights and equipment. Constant activity and noise. Alarms going off every few minutes. Then picture a dozen incubator beds containing 12 of the tiniest human beings you have ever seen. It is a room of constrasts. More technology than you can imagine; but filled with humanity from the tiny babies, their attentive parents and the bustling staff. The joy of a new birth tempered by the anxiety over multiple life-threatening medical conditions. Hope and rear existing side by side. Faith struggling to overcome doubt. The calm professionalism of the staff and the tense confusion of first time parents. Into that environment we are called to bring the Word of God. On Wednesday that Word took on the powerful, visible presence in the water and words of Holy Baptism. The grandparents joined mom and the babies. I came with my cross, my stole, some oil for annointing and a candle. The staff on the unit is nothing short of amazing. They helped prepare the area of the service. They brought a bottle of sterile water. They made sure that this event went as smoothly as possible. All of the tubes and lines were carefully moved so that brother and sister could lay side by side on their mother's lap. The nurses were invited to stand in as honorary godparents. One nurse had little cards with a prayer for infants. After the service they wrapped up the blankets as a keepsake baptismal reminder. There in the midst of all the medial technology, we shared the service that we have witnessed so many times in the comfort of the church sanctuary. Under those circumstances the words took on special meaning. McKenna, child of God, Tyler, child of God, you have been marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit forever! We would have all preferred that the service had been held at the church, with the whole family and congregation looking on, but the words and actions of the sacraments were even more powerful because of the circumstances. We rejoice that God claims these little children as His own - forever! We pray that Tyler and McKenna will continue to improve and grow and come home soon. "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 Blessings, PRAY FOR: Parents and children. Hospital staff. All who face situations that threaten their confidence. May all know God is with them - always.
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A word about these devotions: These devotions are a ministry of Living Water Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, currently worshiping in the historic Christ Eposcopal Church building at 121 East Main Street, Stevensville, MD 21666 (410) 604-0414 If you know of others who would like to receive these e-devotions, which come out on an irregular basis, often once or twice a week, send the email address to: livwater@friend.ly.net |
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