It all came together at 9 a.m. on August 17 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.  Also accurate would be to say that we all came together.

That morning my parents sat in the front of the church where they had exchanged their wedding vows 63 years ago almost to the day.  On that auspicious day, my mother’s father – the pastor of that church at that time – officiated at the ceremony.

On this equally auspicious day in 2025, his grandson (me) baptized my grandfather’s great-great grandson (my son’s son) in the very church where he pastored … likely at the same ornate marble baptismal font where his daughter (my mother) was baptized.

My grandfather baptized my mom and me; I baptized my son and now my son’s son.  Incredible!

In the center front row of that beautiful church on that special baptismal morning sat 4 generations of believers from the same family.  Later our family took a picture that included the pastor portrait of my grandfather, making a line of 5 generations.

And I dare not forget to mention that in the pew immediately behind our family sat my wife’s brother, and two of my Birsching cousins – all devout believers as well – who had made special trips to be there. 

As I sat there in the worship service that morning, next to my father and in front of my brother-in-law, and heard them sing praises to our God with me … it was beyond moving.  It was transcendent. 

Which leads me to the point: the closest bond possible here on earth is NOT a shared interest in a sports team, a favorite hobby, an outdoor passion, or a political or ideological principle.  It’s not even marriage, a common last name or the same blood line.

The closest bond possible between people is one formed in Jesus and his truths.  It’s a connection that bypasses all other earthly differences and supersedes secular prejudices.

Speaking of the invisible church – those people who know their Savior and will be in heaven one day – Jesus described our close connection with him and each other in this way: “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5).

Paul pictures those intimate ties in another striking manner: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. … Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:12&27).

John Fawcett had it right when he wrote his dearly loved hymn, “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.”  That “tie” is Jesus and his love.  His love for us, and his love in us … a love that connects us to both Him and to others who love Him.

And it’s an even closer and more special tie when shared between family members.

To God be the glory and great praise!

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Blest Be the Tie that Binds

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.

When here our pathways part, we suffer bitter pain;
Yet, one in Christ and one in heart, we hope to meet again.

From sorrow, toil, and pain and sin we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.