Remember who's in charge here

Maybe I'm sheltered up here in Canada or maybe I'm just naive.

There are serious problems in the second largest Lutheran body in the United Stated, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). I don't want to go into details - quite frankly, I don't know enough about the problems to speak intelligently to them. At the risk of oversimplifying, it seems that there are two competing ideologies within the synod: one group appears to be embracing "church growth" methodology while the other group remains staunchly committed to the historic Lutheran Confessions.

As part of their outreach, the LCMS owns a radio station, KFUO-AM. Last week - during Holy Week no less - the popular "Issues, Etc." radio program was unceremoniously yanked from the airwaves and host and the producer of the show were terminated. Bang. Just like that, with no warning. There was no reason given for the abrupt cancellation.

I've been heartsick about the whole thing. I was a "sometimes" Issues listener, so I've been following the intense firestorm of criticism that has arisen over the events. It seems that Issues had an intensely loyal - and intensely vocal - following. People are shocked. And mad. And making their feelings known. I've been reluctant to post anything about it here - it doesn't seem right to air their dirty laundry. And the bottom line is, although there are quite a few folks who think that cancelling Issues was a part of the larger "war" that's going on in the synod, I have no first hand knowledge of that, and any speculation on my part would be just that - speculation. (Not that I'm given to any particular speculation - again, I don't know enough about it.)

I do know this:

I think firing those men during Holy Week was heartless and unChristian. It could have been handled better.

I think people may be so passionate about the events of last week that they are seeing deceit and dishonour where there may not necessarily be any.

I know that anger over these events is occupying the thoughts and the time of people who would ordinarily be more focussed on the events of this Easter season.

I know that Satan is having a good laugh over that. And he's laughing at how he's been able to use this to further foment strive among the Lord's people.

I know I will be praying over the whole situation and for God's people in the LCMS.

I know that ultimately, The Church will survive and overcome this.

And oh yeah, Satan? If you're reading this, I'd like to remind you: CHRIST HAS ALREADY DEFEATED YOU. So get a life, would ya?