With my voice I cry out to the Lord; 
with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord, 
I pour out my complaint before him; 
I tell my trouble before him. 

Bring me out of prison, 
that I may give thanks to your name! 
The righteous will surround me, 
for you will deal bountifully with me. 

Psalm 142:1-2, 7 

In 1 Kings we read of the adventures of the prophet Elijah, including the defeat of the prophets of Baal, Elijah’s flight from Jezebel, then the Lord speaking to Elijah whilst he was hiding in a cave.   

'What are you doing here, Elijah?' (1 Kings 19:9 ESV)   

The question could easily be understood as God asking Elijah why he might be hiding out in a cave, instead of doing the work for which he has been called. 

In these weeks following the decision of the Lutheran Church of Australia to remove the barriers to ordaining women, we might be tempted to run from the challenges that are before us. Despite being told constantly that the changes to the LCANZ aren’t church divisive, many pastors, lay people, and congregations are feeling very unsure about the future, and how and where they might worship or serve.  Like Elijah, many of us might feel like looking for a cave in which to hide. 

Behold, how good and pleasant it is 
    when brothers dwell in unity!  
It is like the precious oil on the head, 
    running down on the beard, 
on the beard of Aaron, 
    running down on the collar of his robes! 
It is like the dew of Hermon, 
    which falls on the mountains of Zion! 
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, 
    life forevermore. (Psalm 133) 

In the midst of the sadness of the LCA’s decision to abandon apostolic teaching regarding ordination, it’s been wonderful to witness the confessional unity that has been expressed by those who cannot abide by this decision. While everyone is still working out what this means for them personally, LM-A has been privileged to hear from many, many people whose love for God’s Word and steadfast commitment to the truth is clear to see. The joy that comes from such unity is well expressed by the psalmist and is something which we pray will rise from the mess which currently confronts us. 

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'  

(Matthew 28:16-20) 

During the forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostles experience grief, fear, disappointment, doubt, joy, hope, more doubt and a fair amount of anxiety thrown in for good measure. Despite having seen their Lord raised from the dead, things were not as black and white as they might have liked. In the midst of this confusion Jesus told them to go the mountain of the Lord and worship him. As they gather, Jesus comes to them showing them his true authority.  The Lord of lords sends them out to tell everyone the good news, baptising them in the name of the Triune God and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. He reassures them that he is always with them, ‘to the end of the age’. 

As we face this time of uncertainty and grief, let’s do what the disciples did. Let’s come together as believers to be served by the Triune God. Wherever you are, seek opportunities to meet with other believers in your homes and in your congregations. Listen to God's Word, pray and cast your doubts, fears and anxieties on him, for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). 

We join with faithful people the world over in lamenting the recent decision of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) to abandon the clear teaching of the Scriptures and embrace the unbiblical practice of the ordination of women...

In light of this sad news Lutheran Mission – Australia is more committed than ever to pursuing the establishment of a thoroughly Confessional Lutheran synod in Australia for the sake of the gospel and the mission which the Lord has entrusted to His people.

by Pastor Matt Anker, President (Elect), LM-A

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)

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...

... 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. 

LM-A seminary student Corrie Steel and his wife Di share their impressions of life in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Steels, with their four daughters, arrived in the US three weeks ago and are already immersed in seminary life.

Karl Jacobson, one of our LM-A supported seminary students studying in the United States, reports on his first month at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, St Louis, Missouri.

by Pastor Matt Anker, President (Elect), LM-A

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)

Hope can be a fragile thing, especially when it is wrongly placed. When our hope is centred in individuals or in organisations or in politics, we are bound to be disappointed and feelings of hopelessness can quickly consume and destroy us...

There is hope for the church of the future – not because of LM-A – but because of Jesus and His Word of promise.