There are some people who pretend not to see any value in the ordinance of baptism. How can baptism make one any better, they ask, or have any effect on one's subsequent life? These people do not understand the true nature of the ordinance. There was once a Syrian captain named Naaman who became afflicted with the loathsome and infectious disease of leprosy. At the suggestion of an Israelitish captive, Naaman sought out the Prophet Elisha in the land of Israel, that the affliction might be rebuked. Elisha did not even come forth to see Naaman, but sent a messenger to him with this word: "Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee and thou shalt be clean." Then Naaman became angry, because he did not understand the principle of obedience. Why should he wash in Jordan? Were not the waters of the rivers of Damascus better than the water of Jordan? But his servants prevailed upon him, saying, "If the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it? How much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean." Here was sound reasoning, Naaman listened; he went down to the Jordan and dipped himself seven times; he came forth with his flesh as clean as that of a little child, and was healed. What was it that healed Naaman? Was it the water of Jordan, with curative powers greater than those of the rivers of Damascus? Certainly not. Naaman bowed his haughty and powerful will to that of God. He humbled himself; he was humiliated. He learned the lesson of obedience, which is better than sacrifice. And the Lord God has chosen the ordinance of baptism as the means whereby men may show their humility, {132} their complete acceptance of the mission of Jesus, their sincere repentance, and whereby further they may become initiated into the Church of Jesus Christ. Here the Lord makes use of a wonderful psychology, and baptism literally washes away sin. [Sidenote: The law of obedience in daily life.]