it's kinda a big deal.

ok, why do i feel the need to get baptized again?  its not really a big deal is it?  i don't really see it as a conversion experience...  it's still the same Gd.  well, i may spell it a little differently but He is still the same!!

conversion is defined as - a change of attitude, emotion, or viewpoint from indifference disbelief, or antagonism to acceptance, faith and enthusiastic support; to substitute; a change of character or form.

looking at it like that makes it quite obvious that it is a conversion experience.  I mean i used to only care about Israel because they were people who seemed to have it hard.  i used to think that grace was more important than works.  i used to make fun of people who said happy holidays instead of merry christmas.  i never understood why Jews didn't 'convert' to christianity.  i knew Jesus was Jewish but i didn't think that mattered much.  i used to think church was better on sunday mornings, that passover was weird, that not eating pork was silly....

well, i could keep going but then we wouldn't get to the hard part of saying what i believe now!  i believe history revolves around Israel.  that when we bless them He will bless us.  that the Lrd is in the process of repairing the earth and bringing His Kingdom here more and more by our actions.  that if a Jew does accept Jesus he wouldn't be converting.  that Jesus was (and still is!) very Jewish and celebrated every Jewish holiday and encouraged his followers to do the same.

something significant has happened here.  i used to consider the year i didn't go to Uganda as the most significant year of my life, this year replaces that one.  it has been a long year...  everyday my mind, spirit and emotions have been challenged.  i thought about ditching several times, but im still here. 

i don't know how much longer i will be able to keep up this pace but it has been rewarding!

Simplified this baptism/immersion is my recognition of where Gd has brought me.  I now lovingly accept Israel as a big brother of sorts.  they were given the law and the prophets.  salvation was revealed to them first and second to me.  I'm a gentile.  i have a contract with Gd.  He will keep His end of the bargain and i will keep mine.  i am sure i will never understand Gd fully, (how can the finite understand the Infinite?) but He has shown Himself mighty, loving and strong in history with the Jews and in my personal life. 

Who in heaven or earth is like Him?  Who came before?   Who leaves after Him?  Who gives Him advice?  Who can teach Him one thing He does not know?  What sustains Him?  For by Him all things were made.  All things that have been revealed have been revealed by Him.  He sustains, He gives life, He ends life.  He is.