And yet, and yet…

On returning from my sabbatical this Sunday, I had the privilege to baptize a young woman. Those who know me know that my favorite part of ministry is walking people in baptism.

I go out of my way to participate in this act of worship because it is the crossroads of devotion, the gospel, testimony, and celebration in a believer’s life. There is nothing in the life of the church better than celebrating baptism, symbolizing our passage from death to life in our Savior.

This morning was a bit different than the norm, partly because of my return from sabbatical, but more so because of what transpired backstage. As we were waiting to enter the water, worship continued as it normally does. But suddenly, starting softly I began to hear a voice behind me singing the worship song. As we led up to the testimony of baptism I was privileged to worship backstage.

You might read that and think, that’s no big deal. But for the person who is about to stand before a group of hundreds to confess Christ, it’s a pressurized moment. There is always anxiety and nervousness that builds up during the wait. This anxiety usually builds as a quiet anticipation.

I was struck by the joy of it. As my friend stepped down into the water, the voices of the gathered believers rang alongside her own, and her tears of joy at carrying out this picture of the faithfulness of Christ mixed with the baptismal waters.

Too often in the church world, we tend toward systematization and ritualizing. Things that should be a wild, excited celebration get toned down to an almost scripted rite. We tend to sterilize that which should be fertile and exploding with life.

Stepping back into the celebration of baptism, I was reminded of the signs and wonders that Christ has done. Baptism reminds us that he is in the work of creating new things. And what a joy to participate with him in that creation. And what other response can we have but to sing of his goodness?

As the waves in the baptistry ceased and worship songs continued, I thought about how those waves would continue on into the hearts of the congregation. I thought about how her act of faithfulness and testimony naturally make a change in a world of stagnant hearts. I thought about how the testimony of Christ’s faithfulness continues to echo even past our actions. And who can imagine what tidal waves will rise as these waves move on in the Spirit through human hearts?

I included the above picture in this article because I love the anticipation of the person hitting the water. They jump into something calm and will make a difference. Once those jumpers hit the water, there will be turbulence, change, and joy. It is a turbulent peace, and one that rests my heart in the midst of a world of change.

Praise God that we aren’t locked into a prison of stagnation but are welcomed into the turbulence of his world. Praise God that we matter, and that the movements we commit ourselves to absolutely change the world.

And praise God that he lets us write our stories on the water.

Signs and wonders, y’all.

I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11