by Sal Huckel
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Read Luke 3:15–17,21,22
A month ago, I had a rare Sunday away from my own congregation and attended the baptism of a friend’s baby and the baptism of a large group of teens and young adults at another church. Neither church was Lutheran, and I felt the disconnect during both services.
Originally an outsider to Lutheran teaching, it took me a long time to understand what Lutherans mean when we discuss remembering our baptism or living out our baptism daily.
As we ponder the difference between John’s baptism (merely the water) and Jesus’ baptism, we must remember what we believe as Lutherans. If it’s a while since you read the Large Catechism on baptism, or if you haven’t read it before, it’s a valuable thing to do to understand how we differ from other theology in the sacrament of baptism. Martin Luther reminds us that the water and word should:
… by no means be separated from each other and parted. For if the word is separated from it, the water is the same as the water that the servant cooks with. It may indeed be called a bath-keeper’s baptism. But when the word is added, as God ordained it, it is a sacrament, and it is called Christ’s baptism.
It is reassuring and encouraging to me as I ponder the fact that I cannot ‘remember’ my own infant baptism and that in the sacrament, I was indeed baptised into Christ’s death and resurrection – despite the lack of any believers to raise me in the faith. While I cannot point to a ‘believer’s baptism’ where I made a declaration of my faith like the young people I witnessed only weeks ago, I have the assurances of Scripture that God did the work in my baptism– and I did not need to. His grace is not dependent on my level of belief or efforts. Further, Luther reminds us to value our baptism as a daily dress (Galatians 3:27 – we are clothed with Christ) and walk in it constantly (Large Catechism). We start to realise what it is to walk in (and wear) our baptism daily.
Father God, you descended on your Son Jesus like a dove and declared your love for him for all to hear. Thank you that I am also baptised into Jesus’ baptism and have received the Holy Spirit. Increase my faith as I remember my baptism daily, and help me to nurture the faith of others in my care as you work in their lives, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sal is married to Pastor Matthew Huckel, and they live in Victoria with their six children, enjoying their ministry with Moorabbin–Dandenong Lutheran Church. Their two eldest children are excited to study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels during term time in Sydney. Theology, music, philosophy, literature and history are passions the family shares and explores together. Sal loves writing, speaking and walking to the beach at every opportunity.
Let spring speak
by Jane Mueller
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For I will not be so bold as to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me (Romans 15:18a).
Read Romans 15:14–24
The Apostle Paul had every reason to boast. His life was full of achievement – he travelled widely, built communities and poured himself into helping others grow. He mentored young leaders, wrote letters that shaped the early church and endured persecution for the sake of the gospel. Yet, he writes, ‘I will not be so bold as to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.’ He steps back and gives credit not to himself, but to Christ working through him.
In a world that often tells us to prove our worth through success, status or self-promotion, Paul’s words cut through with quiet humility. He doesn’t deny the value of his efforts, but he shifts the spotlight. He speaks with gratitude, not pride.
Paul’s example invites us to look beyond ourselves – not just upward to Christ, but outward to the world around us.
As spring breaks through the chill of winter, creation itself seems to echo that humility. Martin Luther wrote, ‘Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.’ New life emerges quietly, with early blossoms, delicate leaves and green shoots pushing through cold soil. Spring doesn’t declare its achievements or seek applause. It simply unfolds in all its radiance, pointing to something greater. Similarly, often the most meaningful parts of our lives aren’t the ones we announce or display. They are the quiet, grace-filled moments that shape us from the inside out.
Take a moment today to notice the good that has flowed through you – not just what you’ve achieved, but what grace has made possible. A kind word offered at the right time. A relationship healed. A decision that brought peace. These moments don’t need to be loud to be powerful.
Boasting only in Christ isn’t about denying our gifts. It’s about recognising the deeper source behind them. It’s about humility and gratitude, and pointing to the goodness that flows through us, not just from us.
Gracious God, help me let go of the need to prove myself. Remind me that the good in my life isn’t mine alone – it’s a gift from you. Work through me in quiet, surprising ways. Shape me into someone who reflects your goodness so clearly that others catch a glimpse of you, not me. Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.
by Jane Mueller
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope … (Romans 15:13).
Read Romans 15:1–13
On 11 September 2001, the world held its breath. Coordinated terrorist attacks in the United States saw four commercial planes hijacked. Two struck the World Trade Centre in New York City, one hit the Pentagon near Washington, DC, and the fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened. Nearly 3,000 people were killed. Broadcast live across the globe, it was the deadliest terrorist attack in history. The images were unforgettable: collapsing towers, dust-covered survivors, stunned silence.
Though it happened in the USA, the grief was not confined by geography. It shook people the world over. It pressed into our churches, conversations and hearts. In classrooms, chapels and loungerooms, we wrestled with the weight of what had happened. It was a defining moment in global history.
The world changed. Airport security intensified – liquid restrictions were introduced, and body scanners became normal. Global surveillance increased. Counter-terrorism became a central focus of international policy. Immigration laws tightened.
Fear surged. Suspicion of others – especially those who looked or believed differently – grew. Strangers became threats. Compassion wrestled with anger. Grief and outrage sat side by side as many struggled with the tension of both heartbreak and fury. The ripple effects of that single day still can be felt across political, social and cultural lines.
Yet, in the midst of the uncertainty, people gathered. Candles were lit. Prayers were spoken. The human heart still ached for peace, light, meaning and hope.
In moments like this, what does it mean to be the church?
Paul doesn’t suggest a passive response – he prescribes a radical one.
- ‘Bear with the weak’ (verse one).
- ‘Build each other up’ (verse two).
- ‘Live in harmony’ (verse five).
- ‘Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you’ (verse seven).
These aren’t suggestions for peaceful times. They are commands for when the world falls apart.
When fear rises, we don’t retreat. We rise. We lead with love. We open our arms wider. Christ’s people don’t echo the panic of the world; we rest in the enduring. In Christ, we are strong, courageous and grounded in grace.
And when the world feels uncertain, we stand on hope. Not optimism, but defiant, unshakeable confidence in God. Paul says, ‘May the God of hope fill you.’ Not with fear. Not with revenge. But with joy. Peace. Hope.
That’s the kind of hope the world still needs – and the hope God freely gives.
God of unshakeable hope, ignite in us a fierce trust in you. When the world trembles, make us strong. When others divide, make us reconcilers. When fear speaks loudly, let your love speak louder. As we remember the events of 9/11, all these years on, we grieve the loss, lament the brokenness, and pray for peace in a world still aching for healing. Fill us with joy and a bold faith, so that we might shine with your hope in every dark place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.
by Jane Mueller
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19).
Read Romans 14:13–23
We live in a time when differences can quickly divide us – whether it’s how we vote, what we eat, how we care for our health, how we educate our children, or how we interpret social justice issues. Social media amplifies these differences and can turn even minor disagreements into battlegrounds. But Paul reminds us that the way of Jesus is different.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul addresses ‘disputable matters’ – those grey areas in which faithful Christians may hold different views. In the early church, it was about food laws and special days. Today, it might be about worship style, political opinions, climate action, or how we engage with technology and culture. Paul’s message still rings true: don’t let these issues become stumbling blocks.
Instead of judging or trying to convince others that our way is best, we’re called to pursue peace and mutual encouragement. Our love for one another should outweigh our need to be right. This means laying aside our preferences for the sake of another’s peace. After all, love doesn’t break – it builds. The true markers of God’s kingdom aren’t found in opinions, but in integrity, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Love means sometimes staying silent when we want to argue. It means choosing relationship over being right. It means remembering that the person who disagrees with us is someone Christ died for.
In a polarised world, what if the church became known for its radical love? What if we were the people who made space for difference without division?
What ‘disputable matters’ would you like to let go of, in support of love coming to life?
Lord, in a world quick to divide, teach me to choose the path of peace. Help me to build others up, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Help me to love others more than I love being right. Let me be known not by how strongly I argue my views, but by how fiercely and deeply I love. Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.