We are forever imagining that we know better than our Lord. Even John the Baptist thought he understood what was needed. Now, to be sure, John wasn’t entirely wrong. He did need to be baptized by Jesus. He, like all of us needed to be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus. But John was going to prevent Jesus from receiving John’s own baptism because it was a baptism of repentance, and the Lamb of God needs no repentance. But the Lamb of God had to open the way of righteousness to those who do need repentance. And so our Lord stepped into the Jordan River to sanctify all waters and make them a blessed flood and a lavish washing away of sin. He filled Baptism with His own righteousness. He was revealed as the true Son of God Most High. And Jesus showed what happens in all true Christian baptisms. Christ showed that Holy Baptism is absolutely not some empty simple or gesture. Holy Baptism opens the very gates of heaven, bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit, and makes you a child of God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. Your Father has appointed precious means whereby He gives you life and salvation. He gives these as necessary gifts so that in you righteousness would be accomplished by bestowing upon you Christ’s righteousness. Let us not prevent the Lord from giving these good gifts to us because we think we know better. I look forward to seeing you all this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer