"Corresponding to that, Baptism now saves you, not the removal of filth of the flesh but an appeal of a good conscience to God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21)
In the name of Jesus. Amen. The traditional location of the Baptismal font is in the narthex, the very front of the church. The way to enter into the Christian Church is through the waters in the font, through Holy Baptism.
Most baptismal fonts have eight sides to remind us our Lord saving Noah and his family, through the water. When the flood wiped out the world, the Lord saved eight souls. In the same way, the Lord saves you in the waters of Holy Baptism.
In fact, the Lord is in the business of saving through water! When He was bringing His people out of Egypt, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, He took them through the Red Sea. He saved them, through the water. The armies of Egypt were destroyed by the sea, while the children of Israel walked through the water on dry ground.
What Jesus won for you on the Cross, He delivers to you in Holy Baptism. On the Cross, He died--the Just for the unjust. At the font, you were buried with Him into death so that just as He is risen from the dead, you too rise to newness of life.
Holy Baptism makes the Cross yours, delivers it to you. At the font you were "Christ-ened". He comes, advents, to you and makes you a child of God through the water. Faith receives the Word of God in the water and we are saved.
He saved you in Baptism. There, He delivered His Cross to you and forgave you all your sins. In the font, through the water, He saved you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
"God's own child I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth's treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!" (HS 98 #844, v. 1)
Daily Lectionary: Isa. 7:10-8:8, 1 Pet. 3:1-22
Higher Things would like to thank the Rev. George F. Borghardt III (Assistant Pastor, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Conroe, TX) for writing this season's Reflections.
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