It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

On Wednesday night I enjoyed the humbling blessing and privilege of baptizing a friend. I met him about a year ago during a weather emergency in our area. He's a tough individual, having survived some rough territory in his life. I could tell when I first met him, though, that this was someone whose heart was in the grip of God. And he's become a loyal friend. He chose to be baptized in the name of Jesus, and he asked two of our closest friends in Christ to join with us as witnesses. It was a glorious moment. I'm not sure if he will end up at our church, but it doesn't matter. He has Jesus-follower friends who will walk with him and have his back in this faith journey.

I have seen more in three decades of pastoral ministry than I ever thought I would see. I have served better churches than I ever thought I would receive. I have been involved in four church building programs. I have served in public office and in positions of denominational leadership. I have been blessed with various recognitions and done a little bit of publishing. I have traveled the nation and even a little bit of the world as a result of my ministry. And all of this completely pales in comparison to moments like Wednesday night. If I was given the choice between everything noted in this paragraph and more and one more occasion to see a friend kneel and receive Christ, I would take the latter in a heartbeat!

Nothing, and I mean nothing compares to the victory of one more person embraced in the arms of Jesus. That's where my heart is; by the grace of God alone, and not by anything I generate.

Thanks be to God. I'll see you around the next bend in the river.