“En nombre de Padre, de Hijo, y de espiritu santo.”
The waters stirred as the dark haired gentleman followed the pastor into the baptismal pool. The pastor introduced himself and this gentleman to the congregation. Hundreds of eyes rested on these two as they readied to represent Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. “This man comes to us tonight to be baptized.” Those were the last words I understood.
The pastor then spoke beautiful Spanish as fluid as the water in which he stood. The words were engaging but made no sense to me. I followed as closely as possible listening for chunks of words I understood comparing them to the words I knew and expected at a baptism.
Then I heard them. The most beautiful words. The names of our Lord. I recognized them. “En nombre de Padre, de Hijo, y de espiritu santo.” In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. SWOOSH! He laid back in the watery grave but swiftly raised again in newness of life.
Something about not understanding the words but understanding the heart of what was said made me full of emotion. I saw a peek of heaven. How people from all over the world will meet and praise our Heavenly Father each in their native tongue but in ONE accord. Jesus transcends language. He transcends race. He transcends religion. He is the I AM. He is GOD.
Oh, thank you Father for being the Almighty. Thank you for being the God of everything and everyone. You are the Alpha and Omega. You are the I AM. I praise you “en nombre de Padre, de Hijo, y de espiritu santo.” Amen.
Carol I enjoyed your message today. We had a similiar experience when we went to Hong Kong . WE went to a church that met over a store on a busy street. Uncle Glen and Aunt Polly took us there. The songs we could catch the message of and the sermon was in Manderin and translated to Cantonese so none of the words could we figure out but the way we felt the spirit of God will stay in our minds forever. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me of my experience. YOU are doing a wonderful job in crafting your stories. You have so much to tell. Keep it up. I am sure it is hard being the mother of a busy household and a writer. Have a good week and keep sharing.
Thanks Gail
Carol,
THanks so much for this…we have dear brothers and sisters in Reynosa, Mexico. We always count it a privilege to worship with them in Espanol. (BYW, Gilberto tells us that Spanish will the official language in Heaven!) We have not seen them since 2006 and do miss them so. Your sweet story reminds me that the Lord is always at work, everywhere, calling His children to Him. Just amazing!!
Kimberly