Spirit Baptism

John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5)

I have this picture in my mind of John taking a disciple-follower in his arms, praying or pronouncing over them, and laying them back in the water and quickly bringing them back up. They come out dripping, smiling, wiping hair from eyes and face, and moving out of the water to the shore. Next person comes in…hold-in-arms…baptize…repeat.

It’s a picture of immersion, and soaking, for the purpose of publicly signaling initiation and a first step to change.

Two things I will note here: one is the time frame when this will happen, “in a few days.” He is preparing the disciples for a life-changing experience (are they aware of that?!). And it’s not going to be at some far-off time in the future, but will happen very shortly. Stand by for news.

Secondly, you all will be immersed in the Holy Spirit. As water washed over the converts, and soaked them, you will be completely drenched with God the Holy Spirit. His presence will permeate your whole being, just as water covers you and leaves you dripping.

Upon hearing “Spirit baptism”, some think of a doctrinal distinction of a particular denomination. Some might recall how their life was changed “when they met the Holy Spirit.” Or some might think of a controversial or misunderstood teaching that has divided Christians. But if we could turn back the clock, and simply place ourselves in that 40 day period when Jesus was instructing his small group of still, somewhat-confused followers, doesn’t it seem at face value that this is a basic instructional moment that is going to prepare them for life change?

A couple of years ago, on a cold winter’s night, I was walking in town with my wife and a cousin admiring a Christmas tree display. Adjacent to that small park was a small, spring-fed pool of water, and due to carelessness, I missed a step to the foot bridge and took a plunge into that really cold water! I wasn’t hurt (apart from ego), but came out dripping. Soaked. I had been completely immersed. I think of that moment when I consider this text: the water in which I landed had my complete attention. There was no part of me that was not wet. I had to deal with the results of my new immersed condition as I prepared to get in the car and drive home.

Consider the disciples: their new reality will be that of individuals immersed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Major life change is on the way. Yet again, Jesus prepares his followers for what’s next.

“Father, thank you for the promise of Spirit immersion in the lives of your people—may we readily receive what you have for us!”