Wednesday, October 09, 2024 - FEAR NOT, YOU ARE BAPTIZED

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Wednesday, October 09, 2024 - Day 283 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 41,42; Colossians 1)

FEAR NOT, YOU ARE BAPTIZED

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b ESV) 

“Fear not.” What a comforting word of encouragement from God the Creator! He who made it all, and knows it all, tells you not to be afraid.  

Look at the reason He tells you not to fear: “For I have redeemed you.” Christ the Redeemer has bought you back from sin, death and the devil.

When did He do this? It was on the day He “called you by name,” the day of your Baptism, when the Holy Spirit gave you faith and made you a child of God. 

Now, because God the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, and the Giver of faith (the Holy Spirit) have made this clear declaration, you can take comfort in His promise that “you are mine.” 

1. Baptized into Your name most holy,

    O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

    I claim a place, though weak and lowly,

    Among Your saints, Your chosen host.

    Buried with Christ and dead to sin,

    Your Spirit now shall live within.

2. My loving Father, here You take me

    To be henceforth Your child and heir.

    My faithful Savior, here You make me

    The fruit of all Your sorrows share.

    O Holy Spirit, comfort me

    When threat'ning clouds around I see.

3. My faithful God, You fail me never;

    Your promise surely will endure.

    O cast me not away forever

    If words and deeds become impure.

    Have mercy when I come defiled;

     Forgive, lift up, restore Your child.

4. All that I am and love most dearly--

    Receive it all, O Lord, from me.

    Let me confess my faith sincerely;

    Help me Your faithful child to be!

    Let nothing that I am or own

    Serve any will but Yours alone.

    (Lutheran Service Book 590)

Heavenly Father, thank You for my Baptism and for the fact that You have redeemed me and made me Your own. Please keep me close to You forever.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape