Beyond the Water Slide

If I told you a life-changing encounter with God could start in the most ordinary pool of water—would you believe me?

Baptism appears to be such a simple act. A person immersed in water and raised up. It doesn’t look unique, or special, or exciting, or mystical, or spiritual. It reminds me of a trip we took to a waterpark as a family. DiAnne, Houston, and Ry like waterparks. Me, not so much. I don’t swim very well. I can’t float or tread water, and I don’t like to be underwater. The thought of careening at blazing speed through an enclosed tube and being unceremoniously dumped into a pool of water terrifies me. I’m afraid I would become disoriented, swallow a mouthful of water, and drown in the kiddie pool. So, on that particular afternoon, I stood at the end of the water slide watching people plummet into a pool of water. On one hand, I was watching for members of my family, and on the other hand, I was secretly watching to see if anyone was as terrified as I would have been. Then, my evangelistic preacher training kicked in. What if I stood at the pool of water and said, “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I baptize you in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin.”? I could probably baptize a couple of hundred people in an afternoon! I would be a world-renowned evangelist.

That plan has a major flaw, doesn’t it? The people casually dumped into that pool of water would not have any idea they were making a commitment to Jesus. And, if they were not consciously making a commitment to Jesus, there would be no conversion. They would just be getting wet.

What makes baptism special? Why isn’t it just like the end of the waterslide, jumping off a diving board, falling out of a kayak, or any other activity where one is intentionally or unintentionally immersed in water? Is there “special” water at church? No. It’s regular water. Is it location? No. You can be baptized anywhere. You aren’t required to be baptized in a church building. Is it the baptismal clothes people wear? No. You can be baptized in ordinary, everyday clothes. Is it the preacher? No. Anyone can baptize you. So what makes baptism special? What makes baptism sacred?

God does. Your faith in Jesus makes it extraordinary. The gift of the Holy Spirit makes it phenomenal. Although it seems ordinary from a physical viewpoint, baptism is remarkable from a spiritual viewpoint. Baptism signifies our commitment to Jesus. Baptism supernaturally connects a believer to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is wonderful, mysterious, and exciting.

Baptism is Jesus’ plan for those who believe in Him. Baptism is not merely a tradition passed down through generations—it is a command given by Jesus Himself. After His resurrection, He spoke directly to His disciples and charged them with a mission that would carry His message to the ends of the earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20). This was not a suggestion or an optional ritual. It was part of the divine blueprint for those who would believe in Him.

Here’s your reflection challenge:

• Reread Matthew 28:19–20

• Ask yourself: Have I made my faith public through baptism?

• If yes—remember that moment. Let it fuel your walk this week.

• If not—could this be the nudge God is giving you?

(Excerpt from Fire It Up and Floor It)

Have a great week.

Live baptized. Live bold. 

Let the ordinary become sacred this week.

Thanks,

Greg