Shining lights
Jesus said, ‘let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt 5:16)
This was the verse that came to mind as I met with leaders from confessional Lutheran churches from around the world in Germany late in October. Without exception, every bishop and president I spoke with expressed their deep sadness over the recent decision to approve the ordination of women here in Australia, and yet they also shared their joy as they have witnessed from afar the many people who have taken a stand for the truth. Your good work of making a faithful confession is far more significant than you might realise.
The devil would have us believe that the actions of a small band of Lutherans, tucked away in Australia, has little real significance globally or cosmically. And yet the refusal of ordinary people to accept false teaching and their commitment to uphold the Word of God has reverberated around the world, brought great encouragement to God’s people, and ultimately glorified our Father in heaven.
One morning I was privileged to have breakfast with Bishop Bengt Ådahl who serves the Mission Province in Sweden. Having grown up at the feet of the confessional stalwart Bo Giertz, Bishop Bengt is one of the faithful in Sweden whose commitment to God’s Word forced him to leave the state church which adopted women’s ordination many years ago, and which has continued to be decimated by an aggressively ‘progressive’ agenda. As I told him of people around Australia who are simply doing as he did before us, holding fast to the Word of Christ and refusing to compromise, he was visibly moved and filled with thankfulness to God for your faithfulness.
The Independent Lutheran Church in Germany (SELK) is facing a struggle as a faction in their ranks are also pursuing the ordination of women. Sadly they have been looking south and claiming that Lutherans in Australia have found a way for two different positions on ordination to be accommodated in the one church without breaking unity. Again, the bold stand of many here has shown this to be unworkable and brought encouragement and hope to those continuing to contend for the truth in the home of the Reformation. Without your faithful witness, these brothers and sisters in Germany may have been lulled into accepting the very approach that is wreaking havoc around the church here in Australia.
In the midst of all the struggles and challenges you are going through, I hope you are encouraged to hear that 40+ bishops and presidents voted unanimously to support the faithful remnant in Australia through LM-A, and together with their people, are praying for us all constantly. Whether you have joined LM-A already or are working through what is possible in your context, this vote of support and these prayers are FOR YOU.
The devil wants you to think that you are alone. That your stand for truth is insignificant. That your present suffering is meaningless. See this for what it is – nothing but lies! As you make the good confession and stand firm on what the Lord has revealed through His Word, your good works shine brightly even to the other side of the world, bringing glory to God and encouraging the faithful. God bless you, dear saints!
Pastor Matt Anker
President (Elect), LM-A