As I read Lev. 11, I was almost overwhelmed with the amount of dietary laws commanded of the Israelites.  There are animals that chew the cud with divided hooves you can’t eat and others you can.  No bearded vultures and storks, but enjoy the locusts and grasshoppers.  On and on it goes.  While some make arguments for these laws based on possible dietary and health benefits, others see a simple call to demonstrate their trust in God through obedience.  And so we come to baptism.  The clear call of every Christian is to follow their repentance and trust in Jesus with an immersion baptism, symbolizing their union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.  And while some might ask, “Why water?” and “Why in front of people?” and “Why…?”, it still comes down to obedience.  Faith alone saves us.  Faith alone saved Old Testament Jews as well (Rom. 4:1-12).  Yet faith is demonstrated in obedience.  So let’s follow the obedient lineage of God’s people who, while not always fully grasping every detail of every command, still demonstrated their faith in trusting obedience.  I can’t wait to celebrate those who obediently follow Jesus in baptism on Feb. 26th at Westwind Church!