He is Risen! An Easter reflection on Justin's baptism

“In You, we’re raised from death to life”… (lyrics from Christ and Christ Crucified, Lindy Cofer)

There is no better day than Easter to share one of our most precious moments from this past Fall… Justin was baptized (again!). 

I remember when Justin told me he was thinking about being baptized and my heart was flooded with joy for him. We had some figuring out to do on logistics, but we were grateful for dear friends letting us use their pool and the family and friends that surrounded us for this momemt.

Justin wrote the most precious thoughts, which we read out loud before he was lowered into the water for his baptism: 

“At the beginning of this year I started having seemingly random thoughts about being baptized again. They would pop up during church and other times. At first I was able to easily dismiss the thoughts on a doctrinal level. I was already baptized when I was younger based on my professed faith in Christ and I was not doubting the efficacy of Jesus's work the first time. I mean, I wasn't dunked under water and I was too young to fully understand all that there is to know about following Jesus, but the Word of the Lord doesn't return void. As the months went on I kept having these repeating thoughts that I should get baptized as an act of faith. I then turned to the excuse regarding the practical difficulties of pulling it off. How would I get in? How would I get out? I can't hold my breath for more than a second. Honestly, I was terrified of the thought of getting dunked. I AM terrified of getting dunked under water. After more and more thoughts kept coming I realized that perhaps these weren’t my thoughts but the Holy Spirit talking to me. I then turned more conversational with him hoping that maybe we could just talk about it for a while and never actually do it. Well, two Sundays ago at church the Holy Spirit took it up a level and reminded me of my commitment of obedience. I realized I was at risk of disobeying him and that was just not acceptable. The following day the Lord, in His goodness, actually reworked my heart to look forward to being baptized and that maybe I could actually have a little fun doing it! So, today is about obedience to my lord and Savior. Today is about praising God for remaking me into a new creation over the last few years. In some ways I feel like the prodigal son and I say to myself "I was once dead but now I am alive." Yes, the transformation feels that significant to me. Praise God He works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes! I'm not sure what all God has for me in this baptism but I am sure he wants me to follow him and trust him when he calls me to something. And that is enough for me. “

-Justin Oberholtzer, 8/29/24

It took quite a few hands and strategy to get him into the water!

We were so grateful for a friend allowing us to use their pool!

We had to do it in August bc cold water would have made this way more challenging!

We carefully got Justin into position

He was surrounded by dear friends and family. Our brother in law Dave, read his words + baptized him

Raised in new life!

Today is Easter, and we bore witness to several precious water baptisms at church. It felt deeply fitting and brought tears to our eyes as we witnessed others saying "yes" to the power and gift of the Resurrection. This "yes" is oh so important—yet it's more than an isolated moment. It's a commitment we can embrace each day, through our valleys and wilderness wanderings, in our best and weakest moments. His death saved us, and His resurrection empowers us to bring His kingdom to earth, every single day!

Justin was able to reflect on this special step and how it continues to burn deep in his being and call him forth in a posture of obedience and worship: 

“As I think back on my recent baptism this past year I have been thinking about how it relates to my health the last several years. As time goes on my body has continued to deteriorate and each day it loses a little bit more of what it can do. It is in a very real way, dying. As there is  less and less that I can do I rely more and more on others, including the Lord. Baptism is a lot like this. We first have to die, which is what is happening when we go into the water and submerge our body completely under the water. We give up what we can do on our own and relinquish whatever rights we thought we had to live life in our own strength. We do this in exchange for reliance on someone else, specifically the Lord. When we are baptized we come out of the water a completely different person, a new creation. One that is completely dependent upon someone other than themselves and that is in a very real way dead to themselves. Just like I am completely dependent upon others to do everything I need to do to live, I am also completely dependent upon Jesus to live out my life as He has called me to live. 

Justin or I would be so honored to text with you about water baptism and this step of faith, and what it looks like to trust even through long seasons of waiting. He will personally connect if you comment below!

Thanks for journeying with us.