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Between Babel and Beast
(America and Empires in Biblical Perspective)
The Glory of Kings: A Festschrift for James B. Jordan
Fyodor Dostoevsky
(Christian Encounters Series)
Athanasius
(Foundations of Theological Exegesis and Christian Spirituality)
The Four: A Survey of the Gospels
Defending Constantine: The Twilight of an Empire and the Dawn of Christendom
From Behind the Veil: The Epistles of John
Deep Exegesis:The Mystery of Reading Scripture
1 & 2 Kings
Brazos Theological Commentary
The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter
A Great Mystery: Fourteen Wedding Sermons
Deep Comedy: Trinity, Tragedy, And Hope In Western Literature
Miniatures & Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen
The Priesthood of the Plebs: A Theology of Baptism
A Son To Me: An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel
From Silence to Song: The Davidic Liturgical Revolution
Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy
Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's Supper
A House For My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life
The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church
Exodus 23:20: Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
As Pastor Sumpter has emphasized this morning, Yahweh promises to send His angel ahead of Israel. This Angel is an early appearance of the Last Adam, who comes to guard and lead us to the place where He is.
This passage reveals the promise of baptism. By baptism, we are made children of God, members of His household. As Son of the household, Jesus guards and guides His Father’s children.
Baptism is a promise of safety. Baptism says that the God of heaven and earth is our kind and protective Father. Baptism is a promise that His name is so near that it is actually engraven on us. Baptism is the Father’s pledge that He gives His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
Baptism is also a promise that Jesus will lead us. He has gone ahead to prepare a place for His people, a final home for His family. But He doesn’t leave us alone. He sends the Angel of His Spirit to go before us through the wilderness until we reach the promised land.
Today your daughter is marked as God’s daughter; today, God promises to guard and guide Miriam. Miriam Amadea Joy: It is a beautiful and deeply meaningful name. Miriam, Mary, Marah – all are names that connote bitterness and pain. Amadea – a girl beloved of God. Joy – the end of her journey.
Remind Miriam often to stay true to her baptism. But remind her too that her given name traces the path of her life as a daughter of her heavenly Father, for God promises that He will lead His beloved daughter through all the bitterness of life until she reaches the eternal joys in the presence of her Father.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 7:13 am
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