October 19, 2023

Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism, Baptism Part 2

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 2:16-37, Matthew 6:16-34

It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.   Baptism today is practiced by so many Christians throughout the world today.  It is a key to the teaching and practice of Christians since the great commission of Jesus to baptize all nations in Matthew 28.  However, if you take a look at the majority of Christian views of Baptism you will find that they are all over the map in terms of teaching and practice.  How much water is needed to baptize?  Who is old enough to be baptized?  Do you need to understand what Baptism is and do you need to give a testimony of faith?  Does Baptism require something from you first?  If you notice these questions, they center on one thing, you and me.  Baptism has been twisted into something that is empty, symbolic and centered on us and how we meet Jesus where He is.  However, Baptism is not something that you do.  It’s not about how much water, how old you are or if you even understand what is going on.  

Baptism is all about what Jesus is doing for you, not vice versa.  Jesus then drowns your old Adam in His water and blood that flow from His pierced side on the cross. He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3).  It is critical that we as Lutheran’s hold strong to this simple yet profound teaching on Baptism: “It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil and gives eternal salvation.” Read the explanation again and again. Jesus is the one doing the work in Baptism, because apart from Him we stand guilty, death will consume us and the devil will lead us to hell.  The entire message of the Gospel is Jesus at work for you and His church.  In Baptism He does this in all places and times, with various amounts of water, various people of all ages and understandings. Rejoice!  Jesus has washed you in His blood and declares you are now His beloved child. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Sin, disturb my soul no longer:  I am baptized into Christ!  I have comfort even stronger:

Jesus' cleansing sacrifice.  Should a guilty conscience seize me  Since my Baptism did release me  In a dear forgiving flood,  Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood!  (LSB 594:2)

- Pastor Kent Schaaf is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock. AR..

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

Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.