Every time I am able to be part of a baptism service I walk away amazed. There is nothing like the moment of public ceremony which represents an intense experience. Graduation strikes me in a similar way. Here is someone walking across a stage in a funny hat and black gown, but the work, struggle and turmoil to get there was intense.

Baptism is not the graduation, it is actually the beginning. But it represents a process of soul that is intense and dramatic. When one is baptized there is an admission that life is ending and Jesus is being resurrected in our place. So it is a funeral. A moment we all clap as someone dies. But then we see Jesus raised to life again, inside of this man or woman. We see the flash of God's kingdom ring out in a fresh way. I often see a glimpse of how God will be using this person to shape the world around them for the glory of God. Wow!

Nothing actually happens at baptism. There is no grace imparted or spiritual change that happens in the moment we are immersed. But it does symbolize an immense journey of faith that is being proclaimed to the world in a bold way. "I AM DEAD. JESUS IS ALIVE."