This past summer the convention of our Lutheran Church Missouri Synod elected a new president. He is Rev. Matthew Harrison, who had been the director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care. Previously he had served as a parish pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Westgate, Iowa, (1991-1995) and Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. (1995-2001). As synodical president he has given the following emphasis, which I would like to share with you this month. It is “Witness, Mercy, and Life Together.”
The first part of this emphasis is “Witness.” The Greek word in the New Testament for Witness is “Martyria.” In the biblical sense a martyr is not only someone who gives their life for a cause. It is also someone who testifies about someone or something.1 John 5:7-8 states, “For there are three that witness: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.” This verse speaks of God’s testimony to Jesus Christ as Savior through the Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. All three of these things testify that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” (1 Jn 5:11) When we gather for worship God testifies to us that Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Church’s testimony to the world is that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Our worship together and our personal testimony is a proclamation to the world that Jesus Christ is our Savior. This witness of Jesus Christ strengthens the faith of God’s people and points the world to Him as their Savior too.
The second part of this emphasis is “Mercy.” The Greek word for service is “diakonia.” In Mark 10:45 Jesus says, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This emphasis has to do with works of service and love. Our Lord gave us the example service when he washed his disciples’ feet before the Last Supper . (Jn 13) The greatest example of this service was when He gave His life for us on the cross. The Lord also showed mercy to everyone who called out to Him for help. As His people, He fills our hearts with that same compassion for those who suffer or are in need. Christian love is never just a feeling. Our love for those in need prompts action, just as God’s love for us prompted Him to send His only Son for our salvation. As Christians we are not only concerned with the spiritual needs of others, God moves our hearts to care for their physical needs as well.
The final part of this emphasis is “Life Together.” The Greek word is, “koinonia,” which is often translated as “fellowship.” In 1 Corinthians 1:9 Paul writes, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” As Christians we have become one with God through faith in Jesus Christ our Savior, but Christianity is more than a personal relationship with God. It is also a personal relationship with all of those who belong to Him. We are one in Christ. (1 Cor 10:16) There are many things that could divide us as Christians on this earth: wealth, ethnicity, language, interests, age, and many other things, but God takes very different people and makes us one in Christ. He gives us a bond that nothing can break. He makes us a part of His church militant on this earth and the Church triumphant for all of eternity.
“Witness,” “Mercy,” and “Life Together,” this emphasis in our LCMS centers on God’s love for us in Jesus Christ and on our love for each other. May that love remain strong in each of our hearts.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Don Hougard