Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Working for the Good of our Nation, Because of God’s Love and Call to Me! God Bless America!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you remember where you were on July 4, 1976, the ‘bicentennial’, the 200th anniversary of the United States? I guess to ask that question makes me old, since the occasion was 50 years ago, AND I had to be old enough then to remember now. I was serving as a ‘summer vicar’, helping Pastor Paul Albers shepherd God’s people. Paul was pastor at Cross of Christ Lutheran, and also Circuit Counselor in Chattanooga, TN. In trying to provide regular worship at St. Philip’s, while still leading Cross of Christ, Paul reached out for help from a seminary student. On July 4, I first led worship, and then I spent the evening alone, at the parsonage for St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, watching on TV as the nation celebrated.

Fifty years is a long time in a human life. Just think, in 1976 personal computers were just a rumor. In comparison, this 250^th celebration seems different to me. Our world has changed in the last 50 years, and so has our nation. If I asked 100 people today what they think and feel about this country, I expect I would hear more about our problems than I would hear thanks for our blessings. However, for God’s children it is appropriate to look at our calling, our responsibility, as Christians even more than pointing out the challenges of our nation, or any nation. (I will be sharing this calling with the people of Anchorage Lutheran Church this coming Sunday.)

You see, we are created by our heavenly Father, but we have all rebelled against the Lord and Ruler of all. We deserve the consequences of our sin. Surprisingly however, God loved us and sent His Son to take our guilt and punishment on Himself. Because of His forgiveness and salvation, we are called to respond. “ . . . and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15) You see, because of Jesus, God’s children are called to live in His grace. This includes remembering that we are first citizens of heaven, but also called to be godly citizens in this world.

When Jesus responded to questions about citizenship, He taught the religious leaders of the day, “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21) God is Lord. We owe Him our primary allegiance, our worship and obedience, in response to His love for us in Jesus. Nevertheless, we are still to honor and respect our earthly leaders.

In Romans 13 God teaches through Paul, “1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. . . ⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.” (Romans 13:1, 5) God has established authorities to provide law and order (Romans 13:3-4). As followers of Jesus, because of ‘conscience,’ we are to be subject to our leaders for the good of our community.

However, there is a limit to this responsibility as a citizen. Peter and John were called before the Jewish authorities for preaching about Jesus. When scolded for their sharing of God’s saving love, they responded, "We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) We submit to the government because authority is established by God. But, when rulers act against our Lord and His will, we are bound to follow the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

There are two ways in which Christians can live as blessings of God in our nations and communities. First, we PRAY for our leaders. Paul also teaches, “1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) I have prayed for Alaska Governor Walker, and for Governor Dunlevy. I have prayed for President Biden, and for President Trump. All our leaders need the wisdom of God, the direction of our Lord, in order to work for justice and righteousness and peace. I am not always sure our leaders listen to the direction of our Lord, but I continue to pray for them.

Finally, God also calls us to work for the good of the country where we live. In Jeremiah 29, God teaches, ⁴ "Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: ⁵ Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. ⁶ Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. ⁷ But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:4-7) The Israelites were in exile in Babylon, but were called to live for the good of the nation. We may not always agree with our leaders, but the Lord gives us direction of what is righteous and just. We seek the good which He teaches in order to bless the place we inhabit.

On the 250^th anniversary of our nation we have much for which to be thankful. However, we may also have our list of complaints. (I personally believe there are more reasons for thankfulness.) Nevertheless, God gives responsibility to His children, to submit to authorities, to pray for our leaders, and to work for the good as our nation. We do these things as we first follow our Lord and Savior. So, I also pray with the American composer, Irving Berlin, “GOD bless America!”

A Child of God, Working for the Good of our Nation, Because of God’s Love and Call to Me! God Bless America!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. You might enjoy this video. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y_U5TD_G0s8

P.P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o On Sundays, June 21 and 28, we had a short study “angels.”

o Beginning in July, we will begin studying the book of Ephesians with a “Lifelight” Bible Study. There are still some lesson books available. Class begins at 9:00 a.m. downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

· Lay Ministry Classes? – I offered our Lay Worship Leaders to teach Lay Ministry Classes on the Sacraments, Worship, and Preaching – AFTER worship on Sundays. Tentatively, these classes would begin on July 12. However, in addition to our Lay Worship Leaders, others may attend if they wish.

· 250^th Anniversary Worship – Worship on Sunday, July 5, will give us an opportunity to thank the Lord for His blessings for our country, and to pray for our leaders.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, July 1, I read 1 Samuel 26.

You are welcome to join in this journey of reading God’s Word. You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have received questions and comments about the readings. It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing! Last week I led staff meeting, conducted a wedding, and a funeral, and then led Bible Class, worship, and held a Lay Worship Leaders’ meeting, BEFORE driving to the Kenai on Sunday afternoon. My gardens are looking great, especially after the rain. However, no fishing. (As I slow down, a little, I can spend one or two hours gardening. Fishing takes much longer!) (I did golf on Wednesday, June 24).

· Yard and Garden –

o These Irises were gifts from Rhoda Olson years ago. These pictures were taken June 25. https://photos.app.goo.gl/FAL4cBdbv3d6kZNx9

o Here are flower pictures from July 1. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1eqKgLoA9RZbWa596

o GARDEN - My garden is growing well. The radishes are lagging this year. But I expect we’ll have a good crop at the end. Here are some pictures. (I know that Jim Summers wants to see Garden pictures 😉). https://photos.app.goo.gl/7graXBZ2fnF5CxS56

· Family – Here is a new picture from Mary and Brandon’s wedding. We expect more pictures! 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/sibJrNzbLtpMGXNh9

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor." When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions. So I have continued writing. However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it. (I finished for now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL. I am now serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand. And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list. My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

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My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

*******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Amazed by the Beauty of our World, and by the Grace of God for Us!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I hope I am always growing and learning as a child of God. I believe I am currently learning lessons from nature, from the Creative love and grace of our Heavenly Father. I have come to believe that, as our world has moved away from farming (or even fishing or hunting), we have lost one of the ways to see God’s hand in our lives. As I work on my garden I have been struck again by 3 lessons.

First, weeds constantly attack my fruits and vegetable plants! It seems that I remove weeds one day, and the next day they are back, sometimes with a vengeance. In my strawberry patch the grass and the dandelions grow right next to my strawberry plants. Chickweed attacks my vegetable garden! I have been consistent in removing the weeds from all my gardens. Yet, with their constant appearing they seem to tell me that they are more stubborn than I am. Imagine! Jesus says in the parable of the sower, “⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. . . ²² As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:7, 22) What weeds of pride, or selfishness, or lust, or greed, grow in your life? How do ‘the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches’ seek to choke the love of God from your heart?

Martin Luther writes in his Small Catechism about our constant battle with sin when he writes about baptism,

“What does such baptizing with water indicate?

It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?

St. Paul writes in Romans, chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

One of my life lessons this Spring is that, not only do I need to pull the weeds from my garden daily, I also need to attend to the temptations to sin which seek to choke faith each day. I am thankful the Lord is with me through His Word in Scripture, and through my baptism to help in this daily battle. He forgives my sin and creates faith so I may face this daily trial-with Him!

However, I believe that I may have been even more impressed this year by the beauty and the intricate design of God’s creation as I have noticed the flowers around me. For years I have taken pictures of our yard and gardens. I started in May this year with pictures of Kathy’s daffodils and tulips along the front of our house. But then the columbine started to bloom. They may be my new favorite flower! I am amazed by the 5 ‘horns’ and petals and the multi-colored nature of these flowers. And wonderfully, they volunteer in our front flower bed each year. We planted flowers in pots on our front and back porch. Yet, the flowers which bloom naturally in the woods and trails have also caught my eye. We walked the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass on a beautiful day, June 20, 2026. After seeing a chocolate lily, I started taking pictures of the many colors along the trail. Then I started looking around my yard. It is like a rainbow with geometric designs. I am amazed at the detail and the beauty our Lord created!

Then I thought about Jesus’ teaching in The Sermon on the Mount. ²⁸ And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹ yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matt. 6:28-30) Another lesson I am learning from the plants and flowers is that, if the love of God for us is like our Lord’s clothing of the lilies of the field, we are loved in a wonderfully lavish way by our Creator!

All of this has taught me one more lesson about the grace of God. He knows the weeds and the sin in my life, YET He still cares for us! He knows my sin and calls me to forgiveness and eternal life in Jesus. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5: 21) He loved us in creation: “Consider the lilies!” Then, in spite of our waywardness, our Heavenly Father loves us even more in His Son! (See also, Isaiah 1:18, and 40:1-8 , and Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 9:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 6:23, 1 John 4:7-11, etc.) Consider the flowers!

Such are the lessons of provision and grace which our Heavenly Father teaches in the beauty of His Creation around us. I pray you too are growing in faith in God’s love for you as you see the beauty He created!

A Child of God, Amazed by the Beauty of our World, and by the Grace of God for Us!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o On Sunday, June 21, at the request of those in class on June 7, we began a short study “angels.” We had 15 people in class. We will conclude the study on Sunday, June 28.

o Beginning in July, we will begin studying the book of Ephesians with a “Lifelight” Bible Study. There are still some lesson books available.

· Lay Ministry Classes? – I am discussing with our Lay Worship Leaders about teaching Lay Ministry Classes on the Sacraments, Worship, and Preaching – AFTER worship on Sundays. Tentatively, these classes would begin on July 12. However, others, in addition to our Lay Worship Leaders, may attend if they wish.

· 250^th Anniversary Worship – Worship on Sunday, July 5, will give us an opportunity to thank the Lord for His blessings for our country, and to pray for our leaders.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, June 24, I read 1 Samuel 18 and 19, the beginning of Saul’s resentment and jealousy of David.

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!

· Yard and Garden –

o Here are some pictures of the flowers which have impressed me this year. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xciwzVNp1CDpZEaw9

o GARDEN - My garden is starting to look good. We ate a salad with spinach from the garden on June 19. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3a6LygEQ4FdXW5cv7

· Family – Mary and Brandon are married, and the many family and friends who visited have now returned home.

o Martha and Alexis Barfield did decorate Mary and Brandon’s truck on Thursday, June 18. Their decorated truck was left for them in airport parking. 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/cmJkusbBo7HhuLKD9

o My sister, Martha, and husband, Mark, joined Kathy and me for a trip up Hatcher Pass and a walk along the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass on Saturday, June 20. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Zpp5S4qTKdu4Btr9

o I took Mark fishing on Long Lake on the Glenn Highway. We had 3 (maybe) small bites, but caught no fish. Last year this was a “no fail” lake. Not this year. Nevertheless, the scenery was beautiful and my dog, Mat, enjoyed a boat ride! https://photos.app.goo.gl/8T8UQ1ML2YnRAjib9

o On Father’s Day, June 21, Mark and Martha and Kathy and I were joined by Andy and his children, Jackson and Kendall, and by Andy’s high school friend, our ‘adopted’ son, David Bower and his wife Brittany and children Eleanor and Ellis. Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/adGuqstXWLYmAbhm8

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My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

*******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Thankful for Well-Being and Peace Which Come from God – IN JESUS!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I went to my doctor for my yearly checkup on Wednesday, June 3. As I reported to my nurse / wife about the visit, I shared, “I hope that this visit, and my procedure in July are the last time I need to see a doctor until October and December.” You see, last year I had many appointments with doctors of one kind or another, especially with my dermatologists! I have seen my dermatologist more than once a month for the last 12 months! Yet, Kathy had a wise reply to my complaint. “Those doctor’s appointments are ‘the blessing of getting old.’ It’s like an old car that needs lots of tuneups. We know a lot of people who would have been our age, but who are not now here to complain about doctors’ appointments any more.” Kathy is right . . . again!

The results of my June 3 checkup were actually pretty good. Yet, what a gift we have in the science and practice of modern medicine. I AM thankful for the good health the Lord has blessed me with in this world. I am especially thankful for the health, for the shalom and blessings, of my Lord each day. I am thankful for the eternal welfare I have from God.

Perhaps you remember that Jesus often greeted His disciples with the common Hebrew greeting of that time, “Peace” or “Shalom.” For example, on Easter evening, as Jesus appeared in the upper room with his frightened followers, He said 3 times, “Peace [shalom] be with you!” (John 20) St. Paul often began his letters with an address to his readers which included Paul’s desire that these readers had the peace of the Lord. “⁷ To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and PEACE from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans. 1:7) (Also see the beginning of the other New Testament letters.) In Romans 15:13 Paul also writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and PEACE as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Actually, the word used in Scripture for peace does not just imply the absence of conflict, or of a troubled heart, or even the absence of anxiety. When someone wishes another the peace or shalom of Scripture, this is wish that the person or people greeted, receive all the peace, all the blessings, all the health which the Lord gives in body and spirit. Such ‘shalom’ is a gift which comes from our Lord Himself. In Romans 5:1 we are taught. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, Jesus’ death and resurrection have healed the trouble in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, through His forgiveness, and through the promise of everlasting life which we receive through faith. What a wonderful wish for another, “Peace! Shalom!”

Do you also remember Jesus’ stated desire for his disciples in John 14? “²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27) On the night before His crucifixion Jesus gives a wonderful gift: PEACE! What a blessing to have hearts full of peace, because in Jesus we have all of our Lord’s love and blessings.

I have gone to my medical doctor for yearly checkups since 1979, and also to my dentist for twice yearly visits. I wish these were all the visits I needed to make. Yet, as I get older I seem to spend much more time at the doctor, time I would rather be spending with family, or fishing, or golfing, or anything but making such a visit. Sometimes I guess I just complain. Thankfully, God has blessed me with relatively good physical health. Even more importantly, I have the shalom, the peace, the blessings and presence of my Lord, because of Jesus. This well-being is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. This peace or shalom from God is not just for this life, but eternal! Thank you, Jesus!

A Child of God, Thankful for Well-Being and Peace Which Come from God – IN JESUS!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o I taught a Bible class on Sunday, June 7. We looked at the assigned readings for that Sunday before attending worship.

o There was no class last Sunday, June 14. I was not in worship but celebrating the wedding of Mary and Brandon. ALC Lay Worship Leader, Clayton Gellerman preached. Pastor Tony Schultz helped with worship and serving the Sacrament.

o On Sunday, June 21, at the request of those in class on June 7, I will teach a short class on “angels.”

o Beginning on Sunday, June 28, we will begin studying the book of Ephesians with a “Lifelight” Bible Study.

· 250^th Anniversary Worship – Worship on Sunday, July 5, will give us an opportunity to thank the Lord for His blessings for our country, and to pray for our leaders.

Other Activities of Faith:

I am again taking a two-year journey with my Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, June 17, I read 1 Samuel 12, Samuel’s farewell to the people of Israel. Samuel calls the people, and their new king, Saul, to abiding by the teaching of the Lord.

You are welcome to may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have received questions and comments about the readings. It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing! (no fishing this week)!

· Family – Mary and Brandon’s wedding was a wonderful celebration. We have many pictures, with even more to come. However, here are some of the pictures we have now.

o Bachelorette Party – https://photos.app.goo.gl/gqPuweDQcTupv5u99

o Wedding rehearsal and Decorating party - https://photos.app.goo.gl/ChUtvyz3rTRpfNxNA

o Wedding - https://photos.app.goo.gl/w1pvGEBmJEPPZ7437

o Wedding reception - https://photos.app.goo.gl/7wnCEPapSZhr486T8

· Yard and Garden – My garden is starting to look good. The lawn is fertilized and mowed a week later. But no pictures this week.

· Fishing – NO FISHING, but I did put my boat in the water. Here is brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, in the boat with me on Finger Lake on Monday, June 15. https://photos.app.goo.gl/5o9XRDiXMMuafLSJ9

· Golf - I did golf with Pastor Tony Schultz and Pastor Erik Christensen on the way home from work on Wednesday, June 17. Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/nnyPfu5oTmQTU3Nj8

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor." When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions. So I have continued writing. However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it. (I finished for now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL. I am serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

*******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Celebrating God’s Gifts of Faith and Love in Marriage, and in Our Family!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I have a tune going through my head. It’s not a song from worship, but from the musical My Fair Lady: “I’m Getting Married in the Morning!” In truth, it is not me who is getting married, but my daughter, Mary, and her fiancee’ Brandon Holmes. And the wedding is not tomorrow morning, whenever tomorrow is. 😊 The wedding takes place Saturday, June 13, at 2:00 p.m. in Girdwood, Alaska. I am excited, as are the rest of our family. I guess that is why I keep hearing that song, which really has been running through my mind for a little over a week. Mary and Brandon’s wedding, as with most weddings, will be a celebration, a big party with lots of family and friends. I guess, because it is our own family, I am feeling this special day more personally. (Actually, our son Josh, and daughter in law Erin, were also married this week 20 years ago. 20 years!!!)

I told Kathy that the wedding had begun when we picked up my sister and her husband, Martha and Mark, as they arrived on a cruise ship in Seward last Friday, June 5. Then Kathy’s cousin and his wife, Marty and Colleen Gulseth, arrived by plane on Monday, and we celebrated with a meal at Settlers’ Bay. Mary’s college roommate, Beth, arrived early Wednesday morning. On Thursday morning Kathy’s brother, Pat, arrives. Then Thursday evening, Alexis Barfield arrives. Alexis is a young lady from St. John who became a friend of Mary, but who now lives in Indiana, Our son, Josh, flies in Friday night. I also believe there may be others coming from Montana and Washington. Add that to family and friends in Alaska, this will be a celebration! A party of love and faith! (And, since the wedding chapel only holds 150, we did not invite all we could invite!)

In some ways, our celebration is nothing new. Throughout scripture the wedding ceremony of a man and a woman was often the occasion for big parties to celebrate the special occasion. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he was invited to a wedding feast (John 2:1-11) where they celebrated so long that they ran out of wine! (Wedding ceremonies often lasted a week in Jesus’ time!) During His last week on earth Jesus told parables about wedding celebrations in Matthew 22:1-14 and Matthew 25:1-13. In Matthew 22, ultimately the king sent his servants “to the street corners” to invite others to celebrate the wedding of his son. In Matthew 25 the wedding banquet is a symbol of when God’s people enter eternal life with the Son of God. That picture from Matthew 25 goes with the call in Revelation 19 to rejoice. “⁷ Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; ⁸ it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. ⁹ And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." (Revelation 19:7-9) You see, weddings are indeed a time to celebrate!

In fact, this same metaphor of the relationship of Jesus and the Church is used as Paul speaks advice to husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:21-33. “³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³ However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22-33)

Why celebrate? Well, marriage is, after all, God’s plan from creation. “ ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. ²⁸ And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it . . . “ (Genesis 1:27-28a) Living within God’s intent for His creation is worth celebrating.

We also celebrate because, husbands and wives are called to live in faith and in love. And, when marriage is at it’s best, that faith and love are one of the greatest blessings for God’s people on this earth.

Yet, finally we celebrate because the relationship of love and faith between husband and wife points to an even greater relationship, to the love between Jesus and His people, His Church. This relationship is built on the love of the Savior. Paul teaches about the church in that marriage of Christ and the church, “²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶ that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.” (Ephesians 5:25-26) It is because of the cleansing grace and love of God, in Jesus, that we will live with our Lord eternally!

I am not getting married tomorrow morning, but Mary and Brandon are getting married on Saturday. I am excited, and I pray we can all celebrate God’s gifts of faith and love in the lives of Mary and Brandon, and His gift of eternal love in all our lives – through Jesus!

A Child of God, Celebrating God’s Gifts of Faith and Love in Marriage, and in Our Family!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I am now serving as Vacancy pastor at Anchorage Lutheran Church in Anchorage.

· Bible class –

o I taught a Bible class on Sunday, June 7. We looked at the assigned readings for that Sunday before attending worship.

o There is no class this Sunday, June 14. I will not be in worship but celebrating the wedding of Mary and Brandon. ALC Lay Worship Leader, Clayton Gellerman will be preaching. Pastor Tony Schultz will be helping with worship and serving the Sacrament.

o On Sunday, June 21, at the request of those in class on June 7, I will teach a short class on angels.

o Beginning on Sunday, June 28, we will begin studying the book of Ephesians with a “Lifelight” Bible Study.

· Lay Ministry Classes? – I am discussing with our Lay Worship Leaders about teaching Lay Ministry Classes on the Sacraments, Worship, and Preaching – AFTER worship on Sundays. Tentatively, these classes will begin on July 12. However, others may attend in addition to our Lay Worship Leaders.

Other Activities of Faith:

· I have again started my two-year journey with my Lord. I am reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Bible” from Concordia Publishing House. On Wednesday, June 10, I read 1 Samuel 4, which describes the defeat of the Israelites by the Philistines, and the death of Hophni and Phineas.

You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have received questions and comments about the readings. It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing! (no fishing this week)!

· Family –

o Here are pictures of Kathy and myself with Mark and Martha in Girdwood at the chapel where Mary and Brandon’s wedding will happen. We took these pictures, as we returned from Seward. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xJV4THPcuHTo83Sg7 (click on the individual pictures for a larger version.)

o Here is a picture of much of our family out to eat at Settlers’ Bay as Kathy’s cousin, Marty Gulseth and his wife Colleen arrived. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RFpj3pzEmFMy2f5u8 (click on the individual pictures for a larger version.)

o On June 10, our and daughter in law, Josh and Erin, celebrate 20 years of marriage! Here are a couple of pictures from June 10, 2006, when Josh and Erin were married! 😊 https://photos.app.goo.gl/UfmarzaMrNdsy7u48 (click on the individual pictures for a larger version.)

· Yard and Garden – Here are some more pictures of my yard and garden. This week I did weed the strawberries, and I thatched, then mowed, then fertilized our lawn. Here are garden pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oy1gXTYhM8NCoyKz6 (click on the individual pictures for a larger version.)

· Fishing – NO FISHING this past week as I work to get my lawn and garden ready for the summer. I do believe I am caught up . . . finally! Also, we have a ‘little wedding’ coming which has taken a small amount of attention. 😊

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK. I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor." When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions. So I have continued writing. However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God." Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it. (I finished for now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL. I am serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

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Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)