Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 4:1 - 5:11; Romans 15:14-33
How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith that trusts this word of God in the water. For without God's word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit (The Small Catechism, Baptism Part 3)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. How can water do such great things? You've probably seen a baptism in your church. Does it look like something happens to the person who is baptized? If it's a baby, does the baby immediately stop crying and start singing "Jesus loves me? " No. Probably not. It really doesn't look all that special. The pastor took some water, poured it on someone's head and said some words.
How can water do such great things? That's the question the world asks. They don't see anything happen in baptism. Many people think that being baptized is just a symbol of faith, or a nice thing to do.
How can water do such great things? That's the question that the devil asks as well. Of course, he knows the answer. But the devil does not want you to know the answer. He wants you to doubt the promises of your baptism. He wants you to forget about the gifts of baptism. He wants you to think that baptism means nothing and that it's just a symbol.
Why does the devil want to deceive you and make you think these things? Because he knows what baptism actually does. He knows, as Titus writes, that God "saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:5-7). He knows that when you are baptized, Jesus claims you and unites Himself to you. He knows that it's not just water, but it's the word of God in and with the water. He knows that the Word of God does what it says. You are united to Jesus in your baptism; His life, death and resurrection are yours. The devil knows that as a baptized child of God you no longer need to listen to him. He just doesn't want you to know that. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation, I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font I've traveled, All your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me! (LSB 594:3)