The Dawn Of All

Chapter 4.2

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

Acts 2:41

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The small village of Jeriah was alive with celebration. It was a rare, sunny day, and the entire community had gathered by the riverbank. Jeremiah, a respected elder in the village, looked around at the familiar faces of friends, neighbors, and relatives who had come to witness the occasion. Beside him stood his son, Miguel, who was only sixteen but had recently shown a curiosity and hunger for faith that surprised and humbled his father.

The river stretched out before them, glistening in the morning sunlight. Joseph felt his heart swell with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. He had been about Miguel's age when he first felt the deep stirrings of faith, the quiet call that had grown stronger over the years. Today, as he looked at his son, he wondered what journey Miguel's heart would take.

Miguel turned to his father, his eyes wide with excitement. "Dad, I can't believe so many people came to the river today. They say nearly a hundred people are ready to be baptized!"

Jeremiah chuckled, placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "Yes, Miguel, it's truly remarkable. And it reminds me of a story from the Book of Acts, when Peter shared the message of Jesus, and thousands accepted it and were baptized that very day."

Miguel's eyes widened. "Three thousand people? That must have been amazing. What do you think it felt like to witness that?"

Jeremiah thought for a moment, his gaze drifting over the people gathered by the river. He could see the same anticipation and hope in their faces. "I think it must have been powerful beyond words," he said softly. "Imagine seeing so many people touched by a single message. It must have been a day they never forgot—a day when their lives changed forever."

As they waited for the baptisms to begin, Miguel's gaze remained fixed on the river. "Dad, why do people choose to be baptized? What does it mean?"

Jeremiah smiled at his son's question. It was one he had pondered deeply throughout his own life. "Baptism is like a new beginning, Miguel. It's an outward expression of an inner transformation. It's a way of telling the world that you've accepted the love and forgiveness that God offers and that you're ready to follow a new path—one filled with hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself."

Miguel nodded, deep in thought. "I think I understand. But... what if someone isn't sure they're ready? What if they have doubts?"

Jeremiah's face softened as he placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Miguel, faith is a journey. It's normal to have doubts and questions along the way. But I believe that when you feel a true call in your heart, you don't have to wait until you have all the answers. Sometimes, taking that first step of faith is all that's needed, and the understanding will come with time."

They stood together in comfortable silence, watching as people gathered in small groups, their faces bright with hope. Jeremiah noticed how some of the younger children were playing by the water's edge while elders exchanged quiet words with one another. The scene filled him with a sense of peace.

As the ceremony began, the village pastor waded into the water, his hands raised as he called for the first group of people to come forward. A young woman stepped into the river, her face lit with anticipation. The pastor spoke words of blessing, then gently lowered her into the water and lifted her, her face radiant as she emerged.

Miguel watched captivated. "Dad, it's like she's a new person," he whispered.

Jeremiah nodded, feeling a sense of awe. "Yes, that's exactly it, Miguel. Baptism is a symbol of being washed clean, leaving behind the old and stepping into the new."

One by one, more people entered the water, each of them bringing their own hopes, fears, and burdens. And each time, they emerged with a look of peace, as if they had laid down a heavyweight.

At one point, a young boy not much older than Miguel approached the river. His face was filled with uncertainty, his steps hesitant. Jeremiah recognized the expression—it was one he had seen in himself many years ago. He leaned over to Miguel and whispered, "Look at him, son. Do you see the way he's hesitating?"

Miguel nodded. "Do you think he's afraid?"

"Maybe," Jeremiah replied. "Or maybe he's wondering if he's worthy. Sometimes, people think they need to be perfect before they can accept God's love. But God's love isn't something we earn. It's something that's given freely to us."

Miguel looked thoughtful. "So... even if someone feels unworthy, they can still be baptized?"

"Exactly," Jeremiah said with a gentle smile. "We're all imperfect, Miguel. Baptism isn't about being worthy. It's about accepting that we're loved, no matter what."

As the boy finally took a step forward and was baptized, a round of cheers and applause erupted from the onlookers. Jeremiah saw a tear slip down the boy's cheek, and he felt a lump form in his own throat.

Miguel turned to him, eyes shining. "Dad, it's so beautiful. I never realized what a powerful symbol baptism is."

Jeremiah placed an arm around his son's shoulders, pulling him close. "Yes, it is. It's a reminder that no matter where we've been or what we've done, there's always a chance for a new beginning."

They continued to watch as more people came forward. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the air seemed filled with joy and renewal. People were laughing, hugging, and celebrating with one another. It was a day that would be etched into the memory of the village.

After the ceremony, Miguel and Jeremiah walked along the riverbank, talking about the events they had just witnessed. The village was still buzzing with excitement, and people were exchanging stories about their journeys of faith. Miguel looked at his father, his face thoughtful.

"Dad, I think... I think I'd like to be baptized one day," he said quietly. "But not because I have it all figured out. I think it's because... I want to accept that love, just like you said."

Jeremiah felt a swell of pride and love for his son. "Miguel, when you're ready, it would be an honor to be there with you. Just remember, it's not about having all the answers. It's about taking that step of faith."

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dghlmnrt: We may wonder if we are "good enough" to take that step of faith. But the message from the Scripture reminds us that faith is not about perfection; it's about acceptance. God's love is freely given, not based on our worthiness but on His grace. 

When we witness others' journeys of faith, we are reminded of our own need for renewal and transformation. And when we take that step of faith—whether through baptism or simply by choosing to live out our beliefs each day—we are joining in a greater story of hope, forgiveness, and love that has the power to change lives.

Just as the river flows, carrying away old burdens and making way for new life, faith invites us to leave behind what weighs us done and step forward into a new beginning.