by Pastor Matt Anker, President (Elect), LM-A
This year will be the first time in over 20 years that I have not attended the LCA’s General Pastors’ Conference and Convention of Synod. It’s strange not to be preparing for what has become a familiar and repeated battle for God’s Word. But something seems different this time. Even as I look in from the ‘outside’ it seems there is a renewed determination to overthrow the previous 5 votes to uphold the scriptures in regard to ordination, and to embrace what has been the decline of other churches in the west. It would be so easy to lose heart.
It reminds me of the picture the psalmist paints in Psalm 46. The mountains, the image of stability and permanence, appear to be overcome by the chaos of the seas as the waters roar and foam. Even the mighty, unmovable mountains tremble in the face of the swelling seas which threaten to overcome all that God has established. What hope is there in the face of such destruction?
If the battle were ours alone and the outcome dependent on our arguments, strategies and even on our faithfulness, we would be consumed by the waters of destruction that lap at our necks. But the psalmist does not leave us in any doubts about our security or even the outcome – at least from God’s perspective. In fact, the dire situation in which we find ourselves is framed in the reality of God’s help and the refuge he provides for his people.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Ps 46:1-3)
With this in mind, we are called to faithfulness and hope. Of course, this does not mean there is no work to be done, but we do this work knowing that in Christ, God has already won the victory and promises that his kingdom will not be overcome and destroyed, even when the odds seem stacked against his word and his people.
Dear friends, there are faithful saints the world over who are praying for you at this time. As they approach the throne of grace with confidence on your behalf, they are calling on the Lord to grant you courage, confidence, hope and faithfulness even as the seas roar and foam.
From a human perspective, the outcome of these next weeks looks uncertain to say the least. But in Christ we have a sure and certain hope that the word of the Lord will endure and will continue to build his church and accomplish every purpose for which he sent it.
As you ready yourself for the coming days, remember that even in the face of what appears to be certain defeat the psalmist reminds us to:
Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Ps 46:10-11)
God grant you peace and confidence in Christ, that you may stand firm on his word and face these tumultuous days with hope and the assurance of God’s ever-present help.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt Anker