Israel: Jordan River Baptisms

We went into the gift shop and inquired about the process. The lady told us that if we needed a Priest, we would have to arrange that on our own. I smiled and said, "We have him." There was a small rental fee for the robes. We decided to just rent two and share to save the money, which meant some COLD robes getting into the COLD Jordan, but it was worth it.

Firstborn wanted to go first. For a long time now, she has put aside caring what the world thinks. Even as a 15-year-old, she doesn't mind telling her friends a movie is not for her. She doesn't mind being the lone believer in a group of peers. I think of the verse, "I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." when I think of her. And she knew that day at the Jordan, that nothing we might do would be as important to her as getting baptized by her father. She is one of the most loyal people I have ever met. And that loyalty is offered to the Lord, as well.

Next up was Twinkle Toes, my prayer warrior. I remember when she was little, listening to her pray, and wondering at the depth. "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." She thinks to turn to the Lord first in circumstances, and I believe, will walk with Him all of her days.

Miss Middler followed, fully ready, without any hesitation. Miss Midd is a sweetheart. She has allowed the Lord to make her heart soft, and because of that, she experiences blessings from the Lord quickly. She's quick to apologize. Quick to forgive. Quick to accept others. Quick to help. Quick to obey. "Now if you obey Me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all of the nations you will be my treasured possession."

And then it was my turn. It was so precious to me to be baptized by my husband, my spiritual head and the priest of our home. I had been baptized at age 8 by David Jeremiah and remember it well. Though I realized I had already obeyed that command, I wanted to demonstrate to the Lord the renewal of my spirit and a commitment to follow Him more closely as an adult. You know, the water was cold. Very cold (especially with a shared wet robe!). It was cloudy. But at just the moment we did this, the sun shone down on us.

And then, it was decision time for the two little Turks. They had not planned to be baptized that day, though they had both been considering baptism. They had to think a bit, and our "priest" waited patiently while they decided.