An Unexpected Side Effect of Baptism
I love the quote from Oscar Wilde that says, “Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” Sometimes the weather is just the easiest thing to talk about – and Northeast Ohio gives us plenty to discuss. I am working to grow in my ability to have conversations that scratch below the surface of life and get to the heart of it. Obviously, when we first meet someone, it is a bit unusual to dive deep into the caverns of their life, especially when it comes to faith and details of their relationship with Christ. In my experience, it usually takes time before we feel comfortable sharing those intimate aspects of our lives.
However, this was not the case for my new friend, Walter Williams, who was brought to Hope by a church family member a few months ago. Walter dived quickly and deeply into the lives of many at Hope Church, and he decided to be baptized here. In preparation for his baptism, we shared a delightful conversation or two about his faith, his relationship with Christ, and the daily joy he found in the Lord. It was apparent that despite a multitude of health issues which left him a double amputee, blind, and with many other daily health struggles, he carried the joy of the Lord with him.
When we are baptized it is a gift to those who will someday wrestle with our eternal state. I am not implying that everyone who is baptized is saved, but I am saying it can be a wonderful confirmation of the role our faith plays in our lives. I recently read a sad story of a man on his deathbed who expressed his deep love for his four children. He held each of their hands individually, and to some he said good-bye, and to some he said confidently, “I will see you later.” Months after his death, his children put it together that to those who had made a profession of faith, he said see you later and to the others, he said good-bye.
A few weeks ago, when Walter publicly declared his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized, I expected there might be some wonderful side effects. But one in particular shocked me – when he unexpectedly died last week. Since Walter has “graduated” to his eternal state, his proclamation of faith gives me joy knowing I can look forward to seeing my brother again in eternity!
Obviously, there are plenty of wonderful reasons to be baptized; it is a step of obedience, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, it gives us a chance to share our before and after story, etc. But one very special side effect of baptism is how it can serve as a gift to those believers we leave behind, reminding them that someday we will have a reunion.
Expectantly,
Shawn
P.S. If you are interested in getting baptized at Hope, please let us know by filling out this form.
P.P.S. I hope you can join me tonight at 6:30 PM for worship in the Chapel (1881 building) followed by the prayer meeting. Dare I Ask? will begin at 6:45 PM in the Worship Center.
