A day at the Jordan | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: A day at the Jordan | Previous Challenge Entry
By Josh Johnson
05/29/08
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

The prophet raises his sunburnt head towards the heavens. A drop of sweat runs in a streak down his brow. His arm raises into the air beseeching the Lord of Host. From his throat a raspy cry erupts, quieting the surrounding crowd. “In the name of Jehovah, I baptize thee.” His back aches as, for the hundredth time that day he lowers a crying convert under the water, The dirty Jordan welling up around him pinning his camel skin robe to his back.

Out of the water comes the new Christian. His belief in the coming Messiah confirmed to all. The ceremony showing all around his newfound faith, his sanctification. John the Baptist’s arms spread wide welcoming the next as the previous convert walks towards the bank a holy glow emanating from his grinning face.

A slow murmur begins at the outskirts of the crowd. Heads turn away from the water for the first time in hours as the whispers spread like waves through the watching throng. “Jesus comes, It’s Jesus, or Jesus is here,” the word is passed quickly when like the parting of the Red Sea before Moses the crowd splits from the edge to the water a path through the people a direct line to the prophet.

The water of Jordan caresses the feet of the Christ as he wades towards the prophet. As Jesus approaches John bows into the water his hair brushing the water as it falls forward.

“John,” the one word softly spoken brings a head up eyes full of adoration as Jesus softly speaks it. “I need you to baptize me today, John.”

The prophet stammers, shocked at the request. “I cannot, it is me who you should be baptized, I am not worthy to baptize you, Lord.”

“You must John, I must fulfill all things, I will be baptized, there is none better then you John.” Jesus pauses the river lapping against the bank the only sound that could be heard as all waited for what would happen.

A deep sigh and closed eyes express the acquiescence as John nods to Jesus. “If you say I must I will, Lord.”

“Thank you, John, my Father also thanks you.”

There is a solemn hush as Jesus moves to stand before the prophet. The rough wilderness in contrast with the Prince of Peace. John’s arms lovingly wrap the Savior as he lowers him into the water. The very act a picture of the great sacrifice and great miracle that would in truth be performed in a few short years by the Son of God.

A gasp is heard as a celestial light pierces down upon the two standing in the river. Eyes widen as the most perfect of doves flutters gently down to land upon the Lord. A thrill from the tip of the toes to the hairs of the head rushes through all present as the voice of God is heard. “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”

The crowd falls to its knees as Jesus slowly walks to the shore. A spirt of worship, of awe, present in the heart of all there to witness. As Christ stands on the sandy bank the water of the river dripping to the ground. The apostles slowly follow the Lord as he makes his way away from the river, leaving all those who saw to wonder at what they have witnessed.

As Jesus passes from view heading over the horizon John, prophet of the Lord, voice crying in the wilderness, cousin of the Christ, baptizer of the Lord, rises his voice clear and ringing. “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.