by Richelle Hecker

The miracle of birth through baptism.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

There is something amazing about seeing a newly born baby. After long months of waiting to meet them, concern for their health developing in the womb, and finally laboring through the process of birth we can look upon a new creation in awe. A whole new person is lying there helpless, ready to be washed, fed, and loved. They are totally dependent on others surrounding them and unaware of dangers they may face. They put their trust in their caregivers to meet all of their needs. As long as those needs are met, they lie in perfect peace.

The baby in this photo is one day old and just finished his first bath. Wrapped up in a warm and clean white towel he seems to not have a care in the world. Still we know that within the next few hours he will get hungry and need cleaning again. Over the course of his life he will repeat this process.

This little boy worked hard to be born into our earthly kingdom. Yet he needs to do it all again in order to join God’s Heavenly kingdom. Jesus explained this to the Pharisee, Nicodemus, when he asked about God’s kingdom,

“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.'”
John 3:5 New American Standard Bible

This baby was born and washed, but he needs to be born and washed yet again in order to enter the kingdom of God. This time it will not be flesh giving birth to flesh, but Spirit giving birth to spirit. This miracle occurs through the sacrament of baptism. Through water and His Word, the Holy Spirit will enter this baby and he will become a part of God’s eternal kingdom.

From that time forward, the ruler of this earthly kingdom has no power over the life of this child. His Heavenly Father watches over him, the Holy Spirit remains in him to teach and lead him, and all of his needs will be met in Christ Jesus. He will enter the kingdom of God, and remain there for eternity truly in perfect peace.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado