As a missionary, I was taught that my purpose was to invite others to come unto Christ through the ordinances of baptism and confirmation. Some of the sweetest and most tender experiences in my mission came by way of these sacred ordinances.
Saturday night, I was privileged to attend the convert baptism of a young single adult in my ward. This young man’s story closely paralleled the conversion story of my wife, with his parents also being in opposition to his baptism as my wife’s parents were to hers.
The opening hymn sung at the baptism was especially touching and invited the Spirit into the meeting, Come Unto Jesus.
1. Come unto Jesus, ye heavy laden,
Careworn and fainting, by sin oppressed.
He’ll safely guide you unto that haven
Where all who trust him may rest.2. Come unto Jesus; He’ll ever heed you,
Though in the darkness you’ve gone astray.
His love will find you and gently lead you
From darkest night into day.3. Come unto Jesus; He’ll surely hear you,
If you in meekness plead for his love.
Oh, know you not that angels are near you
From brightest mansions above?4. Come unto Jesus from ev’ry nation,
From ev’ry land and isle of the sea.
Unto the high and lowly in station,
Ever he calls, “Come to me.”Text and music: Orson Pratt Huish, 1851–1932
Sunday, as this young man received the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands, the words of the hymn again came powerfully into my mind. The invitation is simple, come unto Jesus, but one that requires a lifetime of commitment and faith.
I admire this young man’s acceptance of the divine invitation to come unto Christ and for the scriptural reminder that the invitation remains open to everyone:
30 For my yoke is aeasy, and my burden is light.Matthew 11: 28-30