And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. (Acts 22:16)
A boy beat a drum as he led our colorful throng out of his village for baptisms in Andhra Pradesh, India. Others sang, shook tambourines, and laughed as the Indian pastor and I struggled in the lake against the sucking mud. One by one, beautiful Indians waded out and were buried in the water, only to be raised in new life.
A woman waiting at the end of the line howled. Her demon lamented its imminent eviction. When her turn came, the woman forced herself and the evil spirit into the water and, after some flailing about, submitted to baptism. She left the water free of her torment.
This was not an isolated incident. I have witnessed deliverance connected with baptism in Africa, India, and Fiji. I don’t know all that is transacted in the heavenly realms at baptism, but I do know the demons take the ceremony more seriously than many of us.
Baptism is the most beautiful sacrament given to God’s children. Immersion represents the burial of the old self and then resurrection into life in Christ. This is brilliant, life-altering symbolism. Except for pride, why would any believer opt for private elopement when they can be publicly wed to Christ through baptism? I would do it repeatedly if it weren’t for the fact that union with Jesus is complete upon the first baptism of an informed follower.
Prayer: Precious Jesus, I celebrate the day I sealed my journey with you through baptism.