Pastor Elizabeth Rheinfrank
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we celebrate the joy of Easter—the triumph of life over death—we are reminded of the many ways God pours grace into our lives. One of the most profound expressions of God's love
and mercy is through the gift of water. Ordinary, clear, and abundant water is both a
physical necessity and a powerful means of grace.
Throughout the Bible, water is a sign of God's creative power. In Genesis, we see the Spirit of God hovering over the waters as life begins (Gen.1:2). In Exodus, God parts the Red Sea, freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exod. 14). The Psalms reflect this theme as well, emphasizing how water refreshes and restores: "[The Lord] leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2-3 NRSV).
Through water and the Word, we are welcomed into the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism. Just as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, we too pass through the waters of new birth, cleansed from sin and raised to new life in Him. In the Small Catechism, Martin Luther writes, “How can water do such great things? It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water” (SC IV 9–10).
Water reminds us how much we depend on God to provide for all our daily needs. We need water for drinking, washing, and bathing. Without it, our bodies weaken, and our spirits diminish. Just as water cleanses our bodies, God's grace cleanses our hearts.
In this issue of Crossbeams, Jason Snead and Ben Engelhard share their experiences
of encountering God's presence near the water. Jason encourages us to "take a moment to thank God for the gift of water that He has bestowed on us" (p. 3).
This Easter, let us give thanks for the gift of water—not only as something that sustains our physical lives but as a sign of God's loving presence. Each time we drink, let us remember the God who quenches our thirst and reflect on Jesus' words, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink" (Jn. 7:37 NRSV). When washing our hands or stepping into the shower, let us give thanks to the One who makes us clean. Remember your baptism daily and rejoice in the new life poured out through Christ! He is our Living Water, and His grace flows freely!
Wishing everyone a blessed Easter season!
With you in Christ,
Pastor Elizabeth Rheinfrank