A gentle reign
By CHERYL CRUCE
The gentle rains that fell to the earth began on Thursday and lasted through the weekend. The skies have finally cleared, and the sun is peaking through the clouds drying the ground on a chilly Sunday afternoon. I am amazed at the cleansing power of a gentle rain. The grass and foliage appear bright green and refreshed. The showers have washed away the pollen as allergy meds are placed in the medicine cabinet until the next battle of floral sensitivity rises.
Aside from our physical need for cleansing waters, there is also a spiritual recognition of the liquid substance. The cleansing strength of water is observed in Genesis 6 when God looks upon the earth and grieves at man’s broken, sinful nature. In a moment of grief, God decides to destroy His creation with a flood. However, God sees Noah’s righteousness and stays His hand of complete devastation because of grace. As the flood waters covered the earth, that which was grievous to God was washed away, and righteousness remained safe in the Ark.
The cleansing waters of our Lord flooded the scene again in Exodus 14 when the Children of Israel were being set free from Egyptian bondage. Four hundred years of oppression had thwarted Israel’s desire to worship God. Hearing the prayers of Israel, God moved to set the people free. Once Israel miraculously crossed the Red Sea on dry land, the waters poured in upon the enemy. Four hundred years of persecution and cruelty were swept away with one command from God.
The stories of The Flood and The Red Sea crossing are Old Testament images of baptism. In the New Testament, we read of baptism beginning in the Book of Matthew with the baptism of Jesus. As John the Baptizer plunged Jesus beneath the waters of the Jordan, the fulfillment of all righteousness was lifted to the heavens.
I stepped into the waters of baptism yesterday with two precious souls who came with a desire to follow the Lord. I wish I could explain the moment’s joy as each was plunged beneath the frigid waters, but I cannot. I can tell you it was one of the most joyous moments of my spiritual life. It is not as if they were held in bondage for centuries and needed to be set free. Nor were they individuals who could be grievous to God or man. In every sense of the word, they are the epitome of innocence, yet they came to be cleansed by the fulfillment of righteousness.
I wish I could explain to you the joy on the faces of a congregation ready to receive and nurture these new believers, but I cannot. A fresh wind blows throughout our sanctuary as people gather to receive God’s cleansing reign. Grief and uncertainties of the soul are being showered beneath His living waters, inviting us into a new life of His fulfillment, for we are His children.
I do not know what sea of impossibilities lay ahead, but I know God will help you cross over. His promises are before you; your enemy is gone. Did you not know you are the apple of His eye, and He will keep you always (Psalm 17:8)? Find a moment to come to the Father and enter the waters while the invitation remains open. Step into the righteousness of Jesus and experience His fulfillment. Allow His gentle reign to flood your soul. Know that you are invited to a sanctuary of believers experiencing a fresh wind of His spirit.
John 1:12 ESV But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.