Baptism in the Desert

The congregation gathers around the swimming pool, sandaled feet treading on the hosed off pool decking.  Sweat drips down the legs of grandmas and grandpas, siblings, parents and friends who assemble in the 110-degree heat.

A boy runs to put his feet in the water. Adults look for a sliver of shade."

A baptism is like a wedding," the pastor says. "It is a public declaration to a private love story with Jesus. You promise today to follow Jesus in sickness and in health. For richer. For poorer. We are witnesses today of that covenant commitment."

This is how a small church does baptisms in the desert.

A young woman and a young man stand next to the pool steps, the turquoise water waiting for the immersion of a soul.

"I want to be a student the rest of my life of Jesus, the greatest teacher," the young woman says when asked why she is here today."

After searching and questioning," the young man says, "I have come to accept what my childhood self already knew to be true. That this is the only way."

They each step into the water. Cameras record the moment. The pastors say a short prayer and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They come up from the water dripping of Christ life, symbolically leaving their I-will-do-things-my-way selves in the water.

Drowned.

Friends and family encircle them in squishy, smiling hugs. The just-risen-from-the-water leave a damp imprint on everyone they touch.

And so begins the adventure.

Because just like a married couple must learn how to live a new shared oneness, so we who are Christ followers, must learn to leave that do-it-my-own-way self in the water. I've found that my bossy self knows how to hold its breath.

For a very long time.

This is the wrestling match. This is the mystery.

Ceremonies are a way to remember.

One of the benefits I've discovered of attending a wedding ceremony is that I am reminded of my own past commitment and vows. As I watch the bride and groom gaze into each other's eyes, I remember why I fell in love with my husband.

Today, as I watch ripples widen around two new believers and I hear their words of love for Jesus, I am reminded of my own faith. My own decision.

As a witness to their story, I find myself in the pages.

This too is part of baptism in the desert.

Today,

on your journey of faith,

I pray you take time to contemplate

your past vows and commitments

and in doing so,

you remember,

why you fell in love.