Baptism – What a Wonderful Feeling
Yesterday, I baptized a lady by the name of Peggy. Peggy recommitted her life to Jesus earlier in the week and surprisingly, she had never been baptized. When I explained to her about the reasons for being baptized and also the fact that Jesus modeled it for us, she wanted to follow the Lord in baptism also. Since Peggy is in a hospital here in Denver, I wondered if the staff would allow a ceremony in their chapel. They did and on a beautiful sunny Friday morning, Peggy came dressed in her hospital bathrobe and 20-25 of her closest friends.
Immersion baptism wasn’t possible but the staff at the hospital made every effort to bring what they could to the ceremony. I explained that this was all about the heart and the actual act itself would be God honoring regardless. The hospital is Catholic in origin and it’s beautiful stained glass sanctuary let in a marvelous prism of light. The many colors danced in the sunlight as a cup of water from the baptismal font was brought forward for me to use by the hospital chaplain.
As her husband poured the water onto her head and I began to pray, I saw tears welling up in her eyes. Her body is ravaged and doctors are doing all they can but in this moment, God’s Holy Spirit moved in a way no human being can ever hope to move. I was reminded of the scene of Jesus’ baptism when he came up from the waters…
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
(Matthew 3:16 ESV)
The presence of God filled that space as we baptized her in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. People clapped and some raised hands in praise to the Lord. Peggy hugged me tightly and thanked me for my time. As a servant of God’s, I could see no other place I would rather be.
After shaking hands and posing for pictures, I left the family to their celebration. Only God knows how the medical processes will work. But on this day, Peggy confirmed to her God, her family, and friends that the Holy Spirit’s work had just begun and her eternal destiny is now secure. It’s all about God. To Him be all the glory and honor.
The sunlight on my face as I walked back to my car was warm and welcome. God’s presence was amazingly powerful as I thanked him for calling me to serve Him. I’m still awed that he called me out from a successful career to serve Him in a place where I knew no one. He has guided me every step of the way and never failed me. I love Him. That’s enough.
Be blessed this holiday weekend.
