It is our ecclesial custom that baptisms are incorporated as part of the memorial meeting. After the readings, the immersion is conducted, followed by the breaking-of-bread service. It makes an already important meeting even more special.
Today is one of those special memorial services. A young man who grew up in our small ecclesia has decided to take on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has known for many years that baptism is a commandment — necessary for salvation and a place in God’s kingdom. Like many young people, his knowledge of the truth had to be complimented by maturity and self-awareness. When he reached that point, he announced his desire to be baptized. A period of intensified study began, followed by his interview. His interview went well, and the panel of brethren agreed that his knowledge of basic Bible truths and first principles was sufficient. So today that young man is being immersed.
For my sister-wife and myself it is an occasion of great joy,for that young man is our son. Like all Christadelphian parents, we had hoped and prayed that our child would embrace the truth. Today, we are seeing our prayers answered.
Just before the meeting, I look around the room and realize that everyone here in the room has played a significant role in our son’s development. The decision to be baptized was his, but the positive influences of his spiritual family were most beneficial. In the first row is his grandmother whose loving kindness and spiritual direction have guided him from the very beginning. Her love and support as Sunday schoolteacher, babysitter, , and grandma provided a working model of a life based on faith. Behind her are two sets of aunts and uncles, both in the flesh and in the Truth. Over the years, they, too, have done much to help our son grow up in the ecclesia. Because our son was the only youngster his age in the meeting, his interaction with the other members was very important. They encouraged him, and applauded his efforts in Sunday school, study class, and in doing the daily readings.
Across the aisle are brothers and sisters who are “aunts” and “uncles” in the Truth. Each of them has treated our son as if he were their own. Their love over the years has been greatly appreciated. A supportive talk, a firm hand, a gentle kidding showed our son that his “aunts” and “uncles” really cared about him, as well as his growth.
Also present are several families from the large ecclesias that are more than an hour’s drive from our hometown. Because they also have teenage boys, our families have become quite close. In the last few years, it seems that our son has spent more time in their homes than in ours. We have logged thousands of miles driving our son back and forth for CYC every second week, study days and meetings. At times it was tiring, but now it is evident that it was all worth the effort. We have been greatly blessed to have such large ecclesias with strong youth programs only an hour away. The parents, teachers, counselors and the older teenagers provided friendship, support and example that is so important to young adults.
Last, but certainly not least, is the sister sitting next to me who gave birth to our son and has dedicated much of her life to raising him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
As the meeting begins, one of our brothers gives thanks to our heavenly Father for all His blessings and for the most precious opportunity to worship Him and His Son. After the readings, the immersion is held. Our baptisms, like most of our traditions, are so simple and straightforward. Our son stands in the water and we read from Romans 6. After confirming his faith, he is lowered completely under the water. In only a second or two, he resurfaces. He looks the same, but we know that this is a new man. He has taken a step that, sadly, few people ever take. He has entered into a covenant relationship with the only and Most High God. As the brothers and sisters look on, no doubt each is reminded of his own baptism and the solemn importance of this simple act.
The exhorting brother does an excellent job of reminding us of the importance of baptism and that all who come to a knowledge of the truth are individually called and chosen by God. He tells us that baptism is only the beginning. For our new brother, and for all of us, baptism is only the first step in a life that must be dedicated to the development of a Christ-like character.
As our new brother partakes of the emblems for the first time, each of us remembers the first time we partook of the bread and wine. Perhaps our son doesn’t realize that each Sunday in the future when he “eats of that bread and drinks of that wine” it will be just as sweet, just as precious, as it is this day. In our brothers’ prayers for the emblems, followed by our personal prayers, we seek for forgiveness and express thanks to our heavenly Father who has blessed us far beyond what we deserve.
After the meeting, the brothers and sisters welcome their new brother. One by one, they work their way back to congratulate us as well. Our response is to thank each of them for the important role he or she has played in helping our son come into the truth.
The memorial meeting is followed by a pot luck dinner at our home where all share a pleasant afternoon of conversation and recreation. When the last piece of pie is eaten, and the last cup of coffee drunk, our “family” members say their goodbyes and depart. A hectic, yet wonderful day draws to a close, and I have some quiet moments for reflective thought.
I am sincerely thankful for this day. The overwhelming feeling, however, is not so much of joy, but one of humility. What have I done to deserve such blessings? The Lord God has given me His Word, His Son, supportive brothers and sisters from near and far, a loving wife, and a son who has embraced the truth. Although I seek to do His will, so often I fail. In my sin, I marvel at His righteousness and His mercy. The baptism of my son has reminded me of how little I have done and how much more I should be doing. Baptism is only the beginning.
May God bless our new brother and each one of us as we work together in faith, as we look forward with great anticipation to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom here on earth.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One