by Justin Morton
Some moments in life are so impactful that we never forget them. Many things may change over time, but those unforgettable moments are etched into our minds and stamped on our hearts forever. One of those moments happened in my life just two weeks ago.
On that Sunday afternoon, while I was reviewing for my Sunday evening Bible class, my older son, Caden, came in and asked me if I would be finished soon. When I asked why, he said, “I want to go to the building and be baptized.” I immediately jumped up and wrapped him in a hug.
Now, when I say I jumped up and hugged him, you might picture something graceful, but that is not how it happened. I leaped out of that chair like an uncoordinated deer learning to leap for the first time and held him tightly, like a child who just found something they thought they had lost. His mother and I had prayed for that moment for so long, and when it finally came I was overwhelmed with a joy I can hardly describe.
I will never forget the immense feeling of elation I felt as I lowered my son down into the waters of baptism. When he came up out of the water, he was a new person, what Paul calls a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Because of what Jesus has done, Caden’s sins were forgiven, and he was added to the family of God. I could not have been any more proud of him than I was at that moment. My son, whom I love deeply, was now my brother in Christ. Even thinking about it now brings a great big smile to my face.
Since that day, I have thought about how I felt watching my son obey the Gospel. And as full of joy as I was and still am, no one is more excited about Caden’s decision than His heavenly Father. You see, just as I rejoiced over my son’s decision, God rejoices even more. The Psalmist writes, “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love” (Psalm 147:11). One translation says the Lord “delights” in those who fear him and who “put their hope in his unfailing love.” That is exactly what happens when one submits to Christ in baptism; he places his hope and trust in God.
God does not just love His children, He delights in them. He takes pleasure when they choose to walk in obedience. His desire is for all people to be saved (I Timothy 2:4). And when even one person turns to Him, He celebrates their obedience (Luke 15:10). Is there a decision you need to make in your life right now so that your heavenly Father is well pleased with you?