Baptism's wondrous gift

A fellow pastor’s father-in-law wrote this devotional thought. It was shared in the Lutheran Forum Letter of November, 2020.

The author was ruminating on his baptism, a gift given in accord with our Lord’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, “…baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

In my own Christian life, these words, which were spoken over me at the time of my baptism, are among the most reassuring words of Holy Scripture. In this sacramental act, during which I also received my own name, I was made a member of the family of God in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I was marked with the cross of Christ FOREVER!! In moments of discouragement, temptations, and even in the face of apparent failure, I can remind myself as Martin Luther did in his tines of deepest distress: “I am baptized!” From the God who gave me this great gift, I hear the eternal words of assurance, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. … You are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.” Help me, dear Father, to remember that I do not walk alone today, but that I may begin and close this day and every day in the assurance that through baptism I am beloved, and that he who gave me my baptism also promised at the same time that he would be with me to the end of the age. In His name I pray! Amen.