Transition Period for the LCMS – Strange Fires, By-Laws and Christ’s Mercy, by Dennis Peskey

Editor’s Introduction – I consider Dennis Peskey, Chairman of Hope Lutheran in De Witt, Michigan and a charter member of the Brothers of John the Steadfast, to be a friend and a skilled lay theologian. His other friends and I sometimes tease him about the fact that he is never at a loss for words. Here is something he said that is profound, poetic and worth sharing as a post. It is from a comment he wrote on this morning’s story about the Harrison transition. (Pastor Rossow)

I have been reflecting on the status of the families of the Bible and throughout the history of God’s people, I can not name one family united around God’s Word.  From the very beginning of Adam and Eve after the fall, discord and division is a thread woven into the family tapestry.  The solution to the problems they faced required recognition of the cause – sin, the very same problem we confront now in our family.  While the temptation looms near to attempt solutions by our own efforts, the reality is we are part of the problem.  That’s the bad news.

The good news is we have elected a man named Pastor Harrison whose steadfast approach is through Christ with mercy to all.  His ‘track record’ as head of LC-MS WR & HC bears witness to his unfailing efforts to bring healing to the wounded, comfort to the distressed and peace to God’s people with the application of the Gospel.  This is the future of our Synod; not all will agree nor wish to be in accord with this course.  After all, even Jesus very brothers did not believe until after his resurrection.  If we cling to all that Jesus taught (confessionals call this “doctrine”) and proclaim this message throughout our Synod with mercy and love for our fellow Lutherans, we will be healed.  We must approach all with the same mind and heart knowing fullwell some will not hear us nor see the joy of God’s grace offered to them.  We can only tell what God has done and is doing for us – it is the “for us” which makes us Lutheran as opposed to those who choose “by us”.  The “strange fires” among us will slowly ember; the By-Laws are just that – Laws which can not heal nor save; our unity will only be found in Christ and His mercy.  This is the very heart of our new Synodical President and our Synod’s best hope.

Peace,
Dennis

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