There’s no good photo of me in this situation, nor the armed guard looking on, but this of my friends is just as good.
I wish I had a picture of me standing with the Israeli soldier. He wouldn’t have minded; others had and he was compliant about it. I just never think of such things. But this time it would have been something worth having, if only to share here.
The occasion was the continuation of our tour in Jericho. We completed the playground (a photo yet to come) and moved on to other things. A big one for a morning was the supposed Mount of Temptation where Jesus withstood the three-times tempting of the devil. I could say more about that as it was pretty interesting, but I want to stay on focus here.
A few more stops and we were at the River Jordan and likely the exact spot where John the Baptist did the work for which his title was derived and where Jesus incredibly showed up to take part. What sins did he have to repent of? No matter; he was going through the death and resurrection symbolism that he would ultimately undergo in reality. A number of our group had decided to follow this rite at this spot on this day.
I’d thought about it myself, but vacillated. Don was first to go in. In his 85 years Don’s become a giant in the motorcycle field, leading the effort for importing a number of major brands over the years. He’s an interesting person to talk to, but I’d not thought a believer. Then, there he was, standing in the water, answering the questions affirmatively. Did he believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only merit for eternal life? “Yes.” Then down he went, and lifted back up again.
I still wasn’t sure I’d follow. Raised in a Christian family, had I not been been baptized at around age nine? Seems my brother was ready, though two years younger, and I couldn’t be outdone. But later I began giving in to a lot less temptation than that mountain is known for and the effects led me far afield of my earlier teachings. It broke my mother’s heart and made me the subject of many prayers of many people for many years.
But I didn’t care about any of that.
There’s a book’s worth of experiences to follow but suffice to say in time I began to pay. As the famous parable goes, it was among the pigs in a far country I woke up and in humility returned to my Father’s house.
That was in Mexico. Anne was rather shocked. In time she also believed and a year later was baptized. Providing company for her and wanting to reaffirm my own stand, I also was baptized, then a second time.
So why again now? Good question. There was certainly no need. But when else could I make such a proclamation right here where Jesus did? Remember, he didn’t need to either.
And there was a certain uniqueness to the situation, being under the eyes of these two Israeli guards in full battle gear. So I did, but before going down, related a few of these things to the small group of friends on the bank and any others listening in.
Afterward I was moved when one of the guards, the one with enough English, approached me and said, “I was glad to hear your speech.”
Who knows what effect these things have? It’s in the invisible realms that change happens, but it’s manifest in ways that are seen.
(Now to keep avoiding those other temptations that the wind keeps blowing in.)
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:32 pm
I recall being at the River Jordan where some of our group elected to be baptized there.
At that time it was “peaceful” so there were no military presences whether in Israel of Palestine. We even went into the Arab sector where the church was we wanted to meet the pastor and have a worship service as we did in the Garden of Gesthemene (sp). A most interesting country with Ishmael and Isaac descendants still on the war path – talk about a long time sibyl rivalry!
Blessing to you there.
8:52 am
LIke a renewing of vows, Hyatt. Glad you stepped up, and emptied, and were filled; buried and raised. Very affirming, a life-changing experience, especially where you are geographically. Thanks for sharing!
8:15 pm
I think I would feel something like that. I don’t remember my baptism, and I would like to have the full experience of it.
12:09 pm
Thank you for bringing us a little of the experience you and Anne are having. By giving a speech, you brought more meaning and significance to the act, especially to the guard who had probably seen it a thousand times. In this mornings reading Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians, summarized, I try to find common ground with everyone to spread the Good News and share in its blessing. I think that’s what you did, so you were blessed by recommitting your faith, as we all need to do daily, and so was the guard…and probably others, like me, with your sharing. Enjoy the next experience.
1:12 pm
This was so very moving, Hyatt! WOW! To be baptized once again, on the banks of Israel… How wonderful and awe inspiring! It is so rewarding to hear of all your travels and where the Lord takes you. Bless you and Anne. So important that we continue to work for Jesus in the invisible realm… Yes. Loads of love to you both! Great sharing once again. Thank you. Lisa
7:02 am
Getting baptized in the Jordan is a very an experience she will treasure forever. I was baptized in the Jordan in 1997 and it was unforgetable.
4:33 pm
Very inspiring to see your work. It has been my plan, since visiting Israel several years ago, to paint from the hundreds of photos that I took. Wouldn’t it be great to get a group of Christian artists together to do just that or to have an exhibition of paintings of Israel painted by different artists. Well I just wanted you to know I appreciate you sharing your work, it has inspired me to get busy sharing Israel with others. Seeing a good friend baptized in the Jordan was one highlight of my trip and the great Bible teaching, being there made it come alive.