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.
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Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).
Read Luke 24:44–53
When I was 14 and in high school, I knew my vision wasn’t very clear. For years, I couldn’t read the whiteboard in class, and peering forward while squinting hard in the front row to try and make out the letters was giving me headaches. Mum took me to the optometrist, and yes, I needed glasses for distance vision. A week later, we picked up my glasses. While driving home to our farm, I was simply overcome: ‘Mum, I can see trees at the top of that hill! Mum, I can see sheep in that paddock! Mum, I can see! I can see!’
The risen Lord Jesus is standing before his disciples, not only as their resurrected friend and teacher, but also as the fulfilment of everything written in the law, the prophets and the psalms. It’s a profound moment. Jesus doesn’t simply show them his hands and feet. He opens their minds, enabling them to truly understand the Scriptures about his coming, life, death and resurrection.
I imagine the experience was like me suddenly seeing the world clearly for the first time – overpowering, profound joy. A massive ‘ah ha’ moment. Is it any wonder that verses like Psalm 110:1 from yesterday are quoted throughout the New Testament record? The apostles finally saw things clearly!
Jesus goes on to explain that his suffering, death and resurrection were not tragic accidents but part of a divine plan. And with this revelation, he gives his followers a mission: preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations. He doesn’t leave them to do this alone. He promises ‘power from on high’ to equip and embolden them to be his witnesses.
Lord Jesus, open our minds to understand your word. Fill us with your Spirit and send us out with joy to be witnesses of your resurrection. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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The Lord says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool’ (Psalm 110:1).
Read Psalm 110:1–7
The most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament is Psalm 110:1.
Full of battle language and allusions to defeating enemies and instigating a new era, Psalm 110 is perhaps the premier messianic victory psalm.
When you have defeated an enemy king, you put your foot on their neck. His neck = your footstool – like the ultimate ancient mixed martial arts (MMA) fight victory pose!
But there are questions:
- Who does God himself call ‘my lord’ (verse one)?
- Who is this ‘lord’ who sits at God’s right hand (verse one)?
- Who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) of all kings (verse one; verses five and six)?
- Who is this king who is also a priest (verse four)?
- Whose reign as king/priest lasts forever (verse four)?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, Paul, Peter and the writer of Hebrews all testify that this great messianic psalm is fulfilled in one person alone in all of history: the crucified and resurrected Christ Jesus. As Peter says in his great Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:32–36:
This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’ Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
‘Melchizedek’ (meaning ‘king of righteousness’) is one of the most mysterious figures in Scripture. Genesis 14:18 calls him the King of Peace (Salem). The priesthood of Melchizedek serves as a foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood in at least three key ways. Firstly, in both Melchizedek and Christ, the roles of king and priest are united (see Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 7:1). Secondly, Melchizedek is portrayed as a priest appointed directly by God, without reliance on lineage – a trait Christ shares, as he comes from the tribe of Judah rather than the Levitical priestly line (compare Hebrews 7:3). Thirdly, Melchizedek’s priesthood appears self-contained, with no record of predecessors or successors in his priestly line, just as Christ’s priesthood stands alone.
Lord Jesus, reigning King and eternal High Priest, rule in our hearts and lives. Defend us from every enemy and strengthen us in faith through your word. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic
Super-weakness
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If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30).
Read 2 Corinthians 11:21b–33
In a world of perfectly manicured and manufactured celebrities and influencers who ‘have it all’, Paul’s words indicate that not much has changed in human nature in the ensuing 2,000 years since his ministry. We still look for the perfect veneer, the ‘super’, the successful. The truth of a life dedicated to Christ Jesus is the opposite for Paul.
Instead of listing accomplishments and achievements to prove his authority, Paul recounts his suffering: beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, danger and constant pressure. His point is clear – true apostolic authority isn’t proven by fame or eloquence, but by sacrifice and weakness for the sake of Christ.
Paul’s resume is a list of hardships for the gospel. He had every reason to self-promote by human standards; a ‘Hebrew of Hebrews’, trained under the best teachers. But, instead, he chose to boast in his weakness. Why? Because his suffering was the evidence of his deep identification with Jesus. The path of following Christ is often marked by loss, pain and vulnerability – not ease, success or applause.
In Aussie culture, we are often taught to hide our imperfections and maintain a stiff upper lip and self-pride, or that letting people know of our hardships is a sign of weakness. Paul’s example challenges us. Do we try to hide our weaknesses, or are we honest about them? Do we allow them to display the grace of God? The gospel doesn’t require us to be impressive – it invites us to be faithful. For in our weakness, God’s strength is revealed.
Lord Jesus, our suffering servant, teach us to boast not in our strength, but be honest in our weakness. Help us see our struggles as places where your power can shine through and as places to give you glory. Give us the courage to suffer well, love deeply, serve humbly and proclaim boldly like our brother Paul. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Having to retire due to a spinal injury that leaves him largely housebound with chronic pain, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic