It has been an absolute joy over the last several months to baptize no less than SIX persons into the name of Christ!  And I have at least two more baptisms scheduled for the first weeks of summer, and a conversation with a set of grandparents in the coming weeks. YEAH!

This has to be my favorite experience as a pastor; certainly one that is … if our confession is to be believed … the most life-changing. But for these last several baptisms I have found myself focusing even more on the final welcome that we, together speak for those who are baptized.

“Through Holy Baptism God has…”

Let’s be clear – Pastor Albers did very little save speak a few words and use a little water. The glory of Baptism as it is confessed by the church is that GOD is at work in Baptism. It is, really, the fundamental difference between our confession of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and many other Christians.

“God has made this new brother/sister a member of the priesthood we all share.”

We often speak of the church as a family, but this bit from the baptism rite we use calls out your identity and mine as priests … priests are focused first and foremost on serving GOD and, because of that service, serve others.

“That we may proclaim the praise of God and bear His creative and redeeming word to all the world.”

Mary is known as “theotokos” or “God-bearer” … she is the mother of our Lord who is the Son of God. You and I are known as those who bear the Gospel of God’s love in Christ to the entire world!

But then God’s people get to work.
“We welcome you … we receive you …”

These are words that are most often spoken in response to a gift that is given. Those who have been baptized are, first and foremost, a GIFT to us!  

“Into the Lord’s family … fellow members … children … workers.”

Consider this YOUR four-fold identity even as you are speaking a word of welcome to others. This one (or these ones) are now, like you, part of the Lord’s family. We, individually and together, are the body of Christ. We are children of the same heavenly father.

Here’s the call to action: “Workers with us in the kingdom of God.”

If work is going to be done in the kingdom of God, work that reflects the rule and reign of God, it will be done by you!  We are God’s workforce, the means by which God’s will is done in the world!

What a wonderful summary of the life of the baptized people of God!