Today was one of those bitter sweet Sundays. It was and exciting celebration. It was encouraging, and at the same time, even a bit sad.
We had a baptism! And baptisms are a big deal. Baptisms are a significant proclamation for every Believer and not to be taken lightly. They give honor and glory to Jesus, and all of heaven celebrates.
Baptism is always a blessed event, especially when there is a complete understanding of what is actually taking place.
People misunderstand baptism. They rush to baptize their infant child believing that is what the Bible says to do. But nowhere in the Scriptures does it tell us to baptize our babies….
See, Baptism is a declaration of your own personal faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. When a person is baptized, they are professing to any and all that they have repented from their sins and turned to Christ. They have died to themselves. They’ve surrendered their life to Jesus Christ and are now going to follow him. You can’t really make that decision as an infant.
I’m not shaming anyone, just explaining the Biblical truth on baptism. Because when baptism is done the way God tells us and when a person enters the tank as a result of giving up their life to follow Jesus Christ, it is oh so powerful. Dead to self, alive in Christ.
That is what this little beauty did today. At 17 she made a hard turn in her life….. she simply let go. She let go to the things of the world. You know those things that lead to confusion and brokenness. She let go of the lies, deception, and crookedness. She relinquished her right to her life and gave up all authority to Jesus. And that’s what she shouted to the world this morning. A young teen woman did this! It was beautiful.
But we also had the bitter taste of saying goodbye to two wonderful young men. Brayden and Jaxon, two humble, kind, fun-loving young men venturing a new path. They are now on journey called the United States Marines and we had to let them go.
They stood stoically on that stage while being covered in prayer. Elders and Veterans pouring into them nothing but Jesus. Now, I haven’t known these boys for long but my eyes filled with tears as the body of Christ released them into the Lord’s care. As a mom, I identify with every heart string being pulled on their mother’s weary heart. It’s never easy to let go.
Three teenagers took the stage during worship. Three teens headed in three different directions. Three teens on the threshold of adulting. Three teens rejecting a world that offers nothing. Three teens with hearts for Jesus.
I loved this morning. With all the smiles and even tears, I am filled with hope. These young adults aren’t messing around. They are taking life, their lives seriously. They’ve counted the cost and are determined to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
Bittersweet? I guess maybe not. God is faithful and good and he will be faithful to these three. I trust that promise. And I guess that is just shear sweetness after all.
