June 13, 2024 

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism 1

Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 13:1-25; John 14:18-31

What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the beginning, God spoke, and stuff happened. Creation forms itself to His word. God said light. It was. And it was good. In Baptism, God joins that same powerful word to water. That’s why Baptism is efficacious. There are major facets of Christianity today that view Baptism as “only a sign.” They mean it doesn’t do anything and still insist that it shouldn’t do anything for babies. This is how we respond.  

Does God’s Word do something? Because without God’s Word the water is plain water, but Baptism is not just plain water. It is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word. God sticks His Word in the water, so the water becomes more. Enough to save you. Forgive you. Give you an identity not rooted in what you can do or become on your own. Not rooted in your promises to be better. Not rooted in how you feel about Jesus. Only rooted in what His Word promises for you. And His Word promises to unite you to Christ’s death and resurrection. It promises to make you an heir of salvation, a member of God’s family. Your Baptism matters because it contains God’s Word, and that Word delivers everything it promises. Are you baptized? Then you have all that God has promised you. 

It doesn’t just matter to win arguments with Baptists. It matters when you struggle to believe God’s Word, and doubt. It matters when you struggle to feel God’s presence. It matters when you struggle to feel like you’re of value. You are baptized. God gives that Gift to you, even you who struggle with doubt. God gives it to you who struggle daily with sin. To you who feel far from God. To you who feel worthless. And God gives it for you so that you would never have to measure those other things and can simply ask, am I baptized? And the answer is yes. You have all that God’s Word promises you, today. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)

- Rev. Harrison Goodman is the content executive for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

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