A preacher once described each of us sinners as being like a vessel attempting to enter a harbor at low tide. In this case, the harbor contains a bar of sand spanning the entire entrance underneath and prohibits any ship from access during low water levels. So too a bar, not of sand but of impenetrable rock, lies between every sinner and the entrance of heaven. This is the holy and high bar of God’s justice. No ship of any sinner can cross this barrier for we are by nature sailing in low tide. Our own attempts at righteousness fail every time to bring us to the heavenly port. But Christ’s righteousness is the high water which can and does carry the believing sinner to the land of eternal rest. The high waters of our baptism into Christ Jesus transport our vessel into the heavenly Canaan. May we daily treasure our baptism. Dr. Luther exclaimed: “But I am baptized! And if I am baptized, I have the promise that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body” (Large Catechism).
John A. Moldstad

Throughout our ELS local celebrations of our synod’s centennial were observed on October 14. Pictured are the children from Mt. Olive School who helped to beautify a combined service of praise and thanks to God as sponsored by our two churches in the Mankato, Minnesota, area, Peace Lutheran and Mt. Olive Lutheran.
Our former president, the Rev. George M. Orvick, died on September 27 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin. Our prayers certainly go with Ruth and the family as we ask God to comfort them through the precious promises of life everlasting to all who trust in the Savior. We give thanks to almighty God that he has kept Pres. Orvick in his baptismal grace, and we rejoice that he now enjoys the everlasting home in heaven prepared for him by his blessed redeemer. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).