Baptism Perceptions

I have 2 sons, Patriot and Azlan. You can comment on the names if you would like but it is not the reason for the post. Patriot is currently 2 and a half years old and Azlan is 6 months old. This past weekend was their first experience with a baptism service. Up to this point they have been in the children's area when baptism was going on. Now this baptism service was a little different because the church was also doing child dedications and there was little music and no preaching. I am sure the Senior Pastor loves this day. Needless to say, we got to see baptism from the eyes of a 2 year old, and I believe his perceptions are those of many non Christ-followers. Here are 3 of the his perceptions:

1. Mom, why are people getting in the tub with their clothes on?

2. I'm scared. Why are people clapping and cheering?

3. I don't like this game.

Isn't it amazing when you get to see something with a fresh set of eyes. When you think about it, the act of baptism is a really strange thing. No wonder people have a hard time grasping it. No wonder churches set age limits for kids. No wonder God makes this the first act of obedience when becoming a Christian. It is interesting how our first act of obedience is something that is hard to understand, out of the ordinary, and takes just a little faith to go through with. Doesn't the whole act of baptism sum up the rest of our journey as a Christ-follower?