This past weekend our boys were baptized. (If you’re puzzled about that, read my brief case for infant baptism.) You can see pictures & video at the family blog.

Our church has a cool tradition where the fathers give a blessing before the baptism of a child. I read a verse for Sam and Foard, and then gave one blessing for both of them. Here it is.

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Samuel Nash Hunt: Every breath you take is a reminder of what your name means: “God has heard.” 1 Samuel 1:26-28: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” Your mother and I pray for you today, that you will belong to God for your entire life, because he has blessed us with you.

Malachi Foard Hunt: We are so glad that you’ve joined us in this crazy season of our life. We pray that like your biblical namesake, you will be a messenger of the Lord of Hosts. Mal 4:2: “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Our blessing for both of you boys comes from Foard’s verse, and it is simply this: Fear the Lord your God, and nothing else.

Don’t fear man, because he can’t ultimately harm you.
Don’t fear danger, because the Sovereign Lord is your shield.
Don’t fear failure, because your worth is not determined by your accomplishments but Christ’s.
Don’t fear death because he is the Resurrection and the Life.

Don’t fear anything, boys, except that you must fear the Lord your God. We want you to stand in awe of the Holy One of Israel.

Honor him as holy.
Tremble at his Word.
Prize him above all else.

We want you boys to be strong and very courageous. Be bold and daring and adventurous and brave in seeking the glory of our King and his kingdom.

Boys, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. If you fear the Lord your God, you will have nothing else to fear. And you will be wise sons who make your father and mother glad.