He First Loved Us

There are several hundred verses in the Bible referencing love.

Not surprising because isn't it the “Love of God” that drew us?

I know for me, I saw a difference in people that were Christians.

They were not perfect, but seemed to have a peace and joy that I was drawn to.

I occasionally visited services at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. It was the first

time I heard about the love of Jesus. At other churches I only heard about

repentance and judgement. I was afraid of God. I didn’t understand His grace and

forgiveness for me. I felt the Lord drawing me closer.

One Sunday, my brother invited me to a baptism at the beach.

I went as a spectator. But, I was so drawn by the Lord’s love, that I soon found

myself at the waters edge, with crowds all around, waiting for my turn.

There were hundreds of people there, all pushing forward anxious to be baptized.

Several pastors were baptizing people at the same time. It was an amazing sight.

I didn’t care which one baptized me, I just excitedly waited my turn.

As the crowd moved forward, I realized I was on the side of the head pastor

Chuck Smith. I think many people wanted him to baptize them.

I considered going to a different pastor, but I couldn't make my way through the

crowd so I just waited.

After each baptism, Pastor Chuck would turn around, walk the person back to the

shore and several people jumped forward to be next. I’m not sure how long I

waited, maybe a couple of hours? I know the sun was lowering, and it was getting

cooler out.

I didn’t want to fight the crowds anymore...I wasn’t going to push someone to get

to Pastor Chuck.

So, I prayed,”Lord, if you want me to be baptized, can it please happen soon?”

Right then Pastor Chuck walked back with someone he just baptized.

As usual, people called his name as they ran toward him. I was shy, small, almost

lost in the crowd. But here he came toward me, walking past many who were

calling to him. He reached out and took my hand and walked me out to be

baptized. He spoke words about being baptized, and explained the meaning.

Then as I went under the water I felt like the weight of the world left me.

I had never experienced such joy and peace. I couldn’t stop smiling for days.

That love I felt from a great God was why I still follow Him today.

Now, as I pray for my friends and family,

I think back to my baptism and God’s love that drew me.

I started praying “No matter where they are spiritually Jesus, ‘Love them to you’.

Let them see your great love all around them. May they experience the

same joy and peace I felt on that day many years ago at my baptism.”

Whenever I think of someone, my new quick prayer is...

“Love them to you, Lord...love them to you.”

Blessings!