The Great Commission:
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Last week the team I’m on traveled across some biblical sites in Jordan and the stories I can share are endless…But the one that is going to stick with me forever is about how the Lord orchestrated the perfect moment for me to baptize an older man from Spain in the Jordan River.
But this is not about me but this is a story about obedience, faith, community and the Kingdom.
On August 23rd, 2022 around 11:00am I enter the area where Jesus was baptized(disputed site) and the emotions really overtook my body. I was excited, scared, awestruck, joyful, crying and speechless all at once. I’m standing there in the 100+ degree heat staring at this site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. As we walk towards the River, I feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to get in the Jordan River. I was hesitant because I wasn’t necessarily feeling like I should be getting baptized. And I would have to buy a white gown to get into the River. As I stood at the entrance for the River I felt the Lord tell me, “Purchase the white gown because it’s not about you.” I honestly wasn’t sure what that meant, but I was obedient to do what I felt like he told me to do. I purchase the gown, get changed and head down to the water. I get down to the River with the rest of my team and I just stand in awe. We can see Israel just across from us. It was maybe 30 feet away where people were singing, priest(preachers) baptizing people, and prayer happening. On the Jordan side there was nothing happening, just some of us standing there. As we are standing there we get ready to enter the water and notice there is no preacher, priest, etc. in the water baptizing people. And this is where the obedience to follow what the Lord told me came to pass. There was a gentleman getting in the water and he was so excited to be in the water. He looked around as in looking for someone to baptize him, but no-one was there. There was a military guard telling him to just go under and come up. He looked puzzled and at that moment I realized the Lord wanted me to do it. Before I could even think I asked the man “Would you like me to baptize you?” And with a resounding “YES,” I knew he needed this moment in the River. I jumped in the River with excitement asking him his name, if I could baptize him in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and if he loved Jesus. I asked another team member to help out with submerging him in the water. After he came up, I could see it in his eyes that he felt the presence of Jesus. After we exited the water and changed he asked me if I could take a picture with him? Of course I said yes, I would love too. He shared some of his life with the team while walking back to our bus. After we rode the bus back to the entrance he got in his car and drove away. No contact info exchanged, no parting words. But he did leave with a huge smile, a full heart, renewed spirit, and joy that was radiating from within.
That story is not about me….It’s about how God used my obedience to help another believer build a more firm foundation in his name. I have repeatedly asked the Lord to use me however he wants to build his kingdom. I just want to be used as a vessel for his miracles, healings, baptisms, casting out demons, and waging war on the sin in this world. That is bold to ask because he will use you in ways that you don’t see, cause you to spend money you don’t want to, go and do when you want to sit.
How do you want to be used? Ask that question and reflect where you have may have lacked Faith in the moment to be used. There is no condemnation in that answer, but step out where you feel like you can. Be obedient to the Lord our God.
