Baptism and New Life

In the New Testament - 1 Corinthians 10:1 – St. Paul imagines Israel’s crossing of the Red Sea as a baptism. The imagery is obvious – water, death resurrection, new life - a defining event that birthed Israel’s national life as God’s people.

Today in churches, friends will often burst into applause when a friend is baptized, so it’s no surprise that Israel erupted in spontaneous worship and celebration on the far side of the water. Miriam led the women in song and dancing to celebrate their new life, their freedom.


The Sea would have meant certain death if God had not intervened. The promises of God and the hopes of the people would have disappeared into oblivion if God had not acted.

But God did act, in mighty power and as the celebrative song says, with unfailing love.

'In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.'

Exodus 15:13

The exodus of Israel was like the break-through of Easter. The astonishing and unprecedented pathway through the Red Sea foreshadowed Christ’s shattering of Death. And in the resurrection of Jesus we foresee the ultimate fulfillment of God’s triumph over humanity’s greatest foe.

Death has been swallowed up in victory."

Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?"

1 Corinthians 15:54-55

The first course I took at Regent College was on The Book of Exodus, taught by Dr. Clark Pinnock. He quickly earned my respect for his intelligence and scholarship, but I was even more impressed by the vibrancy of his love for God and his joyful spirit. We called him “the tambourine man” because he helped lead worship with freshness and exuberance.

Clark embodied the great lesson of the Exodus, that God set his people free so they could worship in the Spirit and live in the power and joy of the resurrection.

Clark once said, "I have always found theology to be a great adventure and a path into the mystery of God. I have been, by nature, curious and anticipate with Saint Paul: "Now we know in part. Then we will know as we ourselves are known." Last August Clark had a heart attack and died - and entered into that perfect knowledge.

The vibrant power of the exodus and Miriam's song inspire me; the resurrection of Jesus gives me immense hope and assurance - and the example of people like Clark inspire me to pray this prayer:

Lord of freedom and new life,
You have broken the chains of death. Help me to live today in the newness of life – in the power of the resurrection. Let the vigor of your new creation fill my heart permeate my mind and energize every action and thought. May the joy of the world to come echo in my soul. Amen.

Art Credits:
Red Sea Crossing - He Qi
Miriam Sings - Jacques Joseph Tissot
Sea Dance - Mary Goldmintz
Clark Pinnock - McMaster Divinity School