I woke up this early morning. I know that the Bible says that God never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) but I might have been up before Jesus this morning. It was still dark at 5am, with just a hint of daybreak coming. I stumbled out of bed groping my way around the room in that oh so dangerous state of “almost awake.” My brain was struggling to put the pieces together. I knew that I was headed to meet some friends for something important, but I was barely coherent. My line of thinking was something akin to “breath mint, coffee, breath mint…” I passed on the coffee, settled for the mint, and grabbed the essentials: cell phone, Bible, and swim suit.
Yep. This morning I had the privilege of baptizing my friends Paul and Kari Ann. My pastor/friend Jonathan dubbed them “the world’s most fit baptismal candidates.” He’s probably right. I’d show you pictures, but I neglected to take my phone to the pond.
Paul and Kari are getting married this weekend. In less than 48 hours they’ll stand before the Lord, their family, and friends making pledges of undying love and faithfulness. This morning they made a similar lifelong vow–they committed themselves (again) to following Jesus for the rest of their lives. They picked out Bible passages they wanted us to read over them before they entered the pond. Kari picked a couple of verses from Luke, while Paul opted for Proverbs 3:5-6
Kari: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it… ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Paul: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
There are very few things that I enjoy more than working with young men and women who are growing, serious in their desire to follow Jesus, teachable, and willing to risk. That’s a good description of my friends Paul and Kari. They’re not perfect people–no one is. But they love others more than they love themselves, and they love Jesus more than anything.
I get to lead them through their vows and pronounce them husband and wife (you may kiss your bride!) Saturday evening. I can hardly wait to celebrate what the Lord has done in and for them!
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