Baptism

On Sunday, at the end of our second service, we got to witness what is one of my favorite things in the world, a baptism. 9-year-old Madi Palmer climbed up the steps and stepped into the water where her dad was able to baptize her. Everyone cheered as Madi came up out of the water. What a memory for them and for us as well. As a dad, this moment must have been so special for Alan to not only be there for it, but to be the one who actually baptized her. We live for these kinds of moments. For Madi, it was a life changing moment which came after months of thinking and praying about it. God was speaking to her heart, and she listened and acted. That takes courage.

What made it even more of a moment, was that Madi’s little sister Kenzie was also there to be baptized. She walked up the steps, sat down but then began to have second thoughts. She told her dad that she was afraid. For the next few moments, dad bent down and gently talked and listened to her. It was such a tender moment. Eventually, Kenzie said that she wanted to wait so she climbed back out of the baptistery. The congregation clapped for her too in a moment of encouragement.

As they were leaving that day, Kenzie related what her sister had told her – that sometimes it takes more courage to not do something than to do it. I think that is wise. Kenzie wasn’t ready to make that big commitment, but I feel she will be soon. (I heard later that her biggest fear had been getting water in her ears. Someone told her that there were earplugs that would keep that from happening. “Do they have them in pink?” was her response with a big smile.)

The decision to be baptized is a big one. It says to the whole world that “I am committing my life to following Jesus.”  It symbolizes what Christ has already done for us through His death, burial and resurrection and represents our own death to self and a new life in Christ, eternal life in Him.

It is an act of faith, saving faith, commanded by Christ, representing the washing away of our sins and the cleansing of Christ’s sacrifice and shed blood on the cross.

When a person is baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, they are in effect giving their lives to the Triune God in this act of surrender and repentance.

When Jesus calls us to Himself, He calls us to be baptized as a first step. It is something we all love to see because it means that God is working in someone’s life. It is the fruit that comes from God’s work in someone’s heart.

If you haven’t been baptized, perhaps this is a good time to consider it. We are always ready to help someone take that step, always ready and excited for you. When Jesus calls, He calls us to Himself, to step out in obedience to His call. Baptism is a step in obedience to the Savior who gave His life for you.

Congratulations and welcome to Madi Palmer! We are excited for you and your new life. Alan, we are celebrating with you and the amazing privilege you had of baptizing your daughter. And to Kenzie, we are excited for you and all God has for you as well and know that when you are ready, we will be ready for you.

All glory to God for changed lives!