Sharing What's Really Important

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Trusting in the Love and the Mystery of the Cross of Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

When I taught Bible Classes at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, Alaska, I sometimes referenced two books. One of those books is entitled “Hard Sayings of the Bible,” the other “Hard Sayings of Jesus.” You see, even though I am a seminary trained pastor, there are times that I do not understand what I read. There are times I do not understand what God is doing.

I share these dilemmas which God’s children face because of some questions raised by my daily devotions on Tuesday, March 18. While reading in Ezekiel 24, I came across a hard saying which I had forgotten. If you read Ezekiel 24:15-27, you will see that God tells Ezekiel that He will take Ezekiel’s wife. Then Ezekiel’s wife dies. I confess I do not understand. God’s message to the Israelites is that Ezekiel’s grief over the death of His wife mirrors our Creator’s grief that Israel has left Him through their idolatry. The Israelites are to understand the depth and impact of their apostacy. Nevertheless, I have lots of questions about the Lord’s method of communication. This is one of those hard sayings which I referenced above.

Then, later Tuesday morning, I attended a meeting of Lutheran pastors at a church in Ocala, Florida. We meet regularly to worship, to study, and to encourage one another. The book we are currently studying, “Apologetics for the 21^st Century” by Louis Markos, also looked at some Christian beliefs which cause questions for people in the world around us. In brief the questions we discussed were “Why is there pain?” and “How can a person believe in the miracles of Scripture?” As we read the Bible we do receive the beginning of answers to these questions. Yet, many questions also remain unanswered.

We should not be surprised that we do not understand all the mysteries of God. In Isaiah 55 the Lord teaches His people, “⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-10) Since the Lord is God, since He is the all-powerful, all-wise Creator, we should not be surprised that His ways and thoughts are higher than our own. No wonder we don’t understand everything.

St. Paul also writes about the depths of the mystery of God’s wisdom in Romans 11. These words may also help when considering hard sayings in God’s Word. “³³ Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ³⁴ ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’ ³⁵ ‘Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ ³⁶ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36) Yes there are hard sayings in Scripture. God’s ways are ‘unsearchable’ and ‘inscrutable.’ But after all, HE is God! We are not!!

During Lent we intentionally focus on the greatest mystery of our Lord and His ways. That mystery is the cross of Jesus! God inspired Paul to write of this great mystery. “²² For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24) It was difficult for the people of Paul’s time to understand the fact that Jesus, the holy Son of God, would die the death of a criminal on an instrument of torture. It is hard for us to grasp!

Christians live in a world which doubts God, because people don’t understand Him. As Children of God, we have questions too. But we also have faith in the wisdom and the love of God. He created this world, and those who live in it. In spite of our rebellion, in spite of our pride and our lack of love for one another, in spite of our sin, the great mystery is that our Lord still loves us and calls us back to Himself. The great mystery is that God loves us so much He sent His Son who knowingly went to the cross to save God’s lost children.

The cross of Jesus is the greatest mystery concerning our Lord. I do not totally understand the mysteries of God, nor can I totally comprehend the depth of God’s love in the cross of Jesus shown to sinners like me. However, even if I don’t always understand my Lord, I do believe in Jesus and I do trust His death on the cross. And, I trust His resurrection from the grave.

So, when we wonder about our Lord, when we wonder about His love for us, God’s answer is that Jesus went to the cross for sinners like you and me. That is a mystery!

A Child of God, Trusting in the Love and the Mystery of the Cross of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Chris Kollmann. Kathy and I will return home to Alaska on May 5.

· LENTEN SERVICES 2025 – “Conventional Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom. This year=s theme for Mid-Week Lenten Worship is AConventional Wisdom vs. God=s Wisdom.@ Lent 2025 will look at what the world believes, with its sinful belief that it holds the key to wisdom. We will contrast God=s wisdom, the alternative better wisdom to the wisdom of the world.

Lent 1 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Glory Palm Sunday, Upper Room

Lent 2 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Prayer Gethsemane (‘Not my will but your

Will’ B Does God answer prayer?)

Lent 3 - God=s Wisdom About Forgiveness Judas B Forgiveness Can=t be Real . .

. for me

Lent 4 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Selfishness Peter=s Denial B Take Care of

# 1

Lent 5 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Power Pilate B The Government Has the

Power

Lent 6 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Death Ladies at the Tomb B Death is Final

· MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship. These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a potluck meal, and there is no cost. Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people!

· PASSOVER –We will celebrate a PASSOVER MEAL of lamb, green salad, charoseth (apple and raisin relish), unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice at 6:00 p.m. on Manudy Thursday, April 17. (This time gives people a chance to arrive from work.) The Passover was a Jewish celebration of God saving His people from slavery in Egypt. However, this ceremony also helps Christians understand Jesus’ Passion and His Easter victory.

The Recommended Donation is $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. PLEASE SIGN UP IN THE NARTHEX AT CHURCH! This helps us to know how much food to prepare. Last year 56 people attended the First Lutheran Passover Meal.

· ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2 We began a New Member Class at First Lutheran. IN THE LIBRARY AT 8:45 A.M. Seven people have attended, but others can join us, if you wish. Our Class is entitled “Basic Christian Teachings.” If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us. There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class.

Pastor Chris will teach the Adult Sunday School class on The Pastoral Epistles, and Pastor Rockey will teach the new member class.

· STEPHEN MINISTRY IS COMING BACK! – First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program. Stephen Ministry is an organized and supervised plan for Christian caring. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to bring Jesus to people’s troubles. They are trained to walk alongside others as Christian friends, bringing the saving love of God.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10 and finished on March 17. In addition, those who are committed to training as supervised Christian Care Givers include: Julie Dicks, Tina Gorske, Patti Holloway, Debbie Jones, Marge Polkowski, Kathy Rockey, Stephanie Smith, and Jon Visscher.

We are still considering when new Stephen Ministers will be trained and ready to serve at FLC. Stay tuned for more information as the training process progresses. Please pray for this caring ministry at First Lutheran.

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

Also, as our Sunday School grows, we need more teachers, so students can be separated by ages in classes. We have 3 new helpers, but could use a few more. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP ONCE A MONTH PLEASE SPEAK TO SHERYL SHIVER OR Katherine gross..

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. We are studying “The Case for Christ” and discussing defending our Christian faith. Come and join us!

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, Narch 12, we read through Ezekiel 15.

Feel free to contact Pastor Rockey at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings. Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have recently received questions and comments. 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.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· On Thursday, March 13, I took my daughter, Mary, fishing on Orange Lake. She had some bites, but wasn’t able to hook a fish. I caught a few. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rZDNiD7afjTVugck9

· On Friday morning, March 14, Kathy and our daughter, Mary, and I drove to Crystal River to visit Three Sisters Springs and see some manatees. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/A4wSEqcsgTXpv8CKA

· On Friday afternoon, at the request of Mary, we went fishing again. This time I took her to a favorite lake. Some think I fish too long, so when we got near sunset I offered to leave. Mary told me, “I want to catch a fish!” After many bites, she finally figured out bass fishing and brought in a nice fish. Sunset was 7:37 p.m. My picture of Mary and her fish was taken at 7:52 p.m.! 😊 Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VtM6aLMJcCHN46Hw9

· On Saturday, March 15, before taking Mary to the airport, we met at the home of cousin Nancy Stender Parmele. My siblings, some nieces and nephews, and some cousins from Connecticut gathered to visit. We did NOT get any pictures this time.

· On Saturday, Mary 15, after dropping Mary off at the airport, Kathy and I visited with long-time friends, Rick and Kris Armstrong. (I started college with them in 1971. They introduced Kathy and me, and we married in 1977.) Again, no pictures, but a good visit!

*******

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. (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

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.

*******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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, March 12, 2025

Thankful that the DRUDGERY of Lent Makes Jesus’ Easter Victory Sweeter!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever get tired of the same bad news over and over again? For example, if I exercise, and if I watch what I eat, and then I step on the scale and it says the same as it has the last few weeks, months even, that is frustrating bad news. If a person goes to the doctor, and time and again they hear bad news about their health, that’s discouraging. If I work and work to improve a relationship with someone I care about, yet I seem to be getting nowhere, there is drudgery and sadness in that continuing bad news.

In my daily devotions we have been reading through the prophets for quite a while! For the last month and a half we have read Jeremiah, Lamentations, and now we are reading in Ezekiel. The prophets seem to have the same message over and over again. This message points to the idolatry and sin God’s people. The message of the prophets then tells the gloom and bad news of God’s coming judgment for the people’s rebellion.

For example, as I read the Bible verses for my devotions on Tuesday, March 11, God spoke to the people through Ezekiel, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!’” (Ezekiel 13:31) The people of Israel are ignoring God’s Word, ignoring His law, and instead they are listening to their own minds and their own feelings. Such rebellion has caused them to miss God’s love. Such rebellion has led to God’s discipline. But, unfortunately this is the same message spoken by Moses, and by Samuel, and Elijah, and Isaiah, and Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and by all the prophets. Time and again we hear about the same bad choices from God’s people, and we hear the same bad news of His coming judgment.

Do you ever feel like the season of Lent . . . drags on, and on, and on? While ‘Lent’ means ‘Spring,’ this season of the church year focuses on the opposition faced by Jesus because of the sins of the people. We read about the pride and the doubt of Jesus’ disciples. We look at the hostility of the religious leaders against Jesus. We see wayward and wandering people who resist Jesus’ teachings about the Messiah and about His kingdom. Do you think Jesus ever felt discouraged by facing the same sinful opposition over and over again? Do you think that Jesus, the Son of God, ever felt drudgery over dealing with the same issues spoken of again and again by the Old Testament prophets?

I do hear such feelings in Jesus’ words in the Gospel lesson assigned for the coming Sunday, the Second Sunday in Lent. “34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Luke 13:34-35)

Perhaps you know that the season of Lent has 40 days (not including Sundays), and is intended to remind us of the wilderness wanderings of the people of Israel. They traveled in the desert for 40 years, often lost, dealing with the trials of life as they approached the Promised Land. But, at the end of their journey, they received the promises of God. The difficulties and drudgery of the wilderness made the land of promise even more sweet.

Our observance of Lent, a time when we consider the opposition and sin faced by our Lord, continues to the ultimate end of His death, but then to His resurrection. Realizing our own waywardness, and understanding that we deserve God’s judgment, makes the forgiveness of His Cross and the victory of the empty tomb the sweetest news of all. In a way, the ‘drudgery’ of Lent makes the love of Jesus’ sacrifice, the forgiveness of His cross, and the eternal life of Easter even more sweet. When we know that we deserve God’s judgment, His forgiveness and grace is AMAZING!

I cherish the time which I spend in the wilderness each Spring, considering my need for a Savior. I rejoice each year at the forgiveness and salvation we experience through Jesus’ victory in Holy Week.

May this season of Lent, when we consider and repent of our sin, lead you to understand the depth of the Good News of Jesus’ forgiveness, and His gift of eternal life. May your Lenten walk lead you to Jesus, and lead you to rejoice in the sweet experience of His saving love.

A Child of God, Thankful that the DRUDGERY of Lent Makes Jesus’ Easter Victory Sweeter!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Kollmann until Kathy and I return home to Alaska in early May.

· ACOLYTES – Perhaps you have noticed First Lutheran has recently had young people lighting the candles, or serving as “acolytes.” (The Word ‘acolyte’ comes from the Greek word to follow. We teach acolytes they are followers of Jesus.)

FLC held an acolyte class on Saturday, March 1, and we will hold a second training session on Sunday, March 16 after worship. We have 5 young people who have been trained, with another 2 people interested.

We will be flexible as we re-instate this opportunity for young people to serve.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE these young people as they serve our Lord and His people at First Lutheran!

Lent 1 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Glory Palm Sunday, Upper Room

Lent 2 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Prayer Gethsemane (‘Not my will but your

Will’ B Does God answer prayer?)

Lent 3 - God=s Wisdom About Forgiveness Judas B Forgiveness Can=t be Real . .

. for me

Lent 4 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Selfishness Peter=s Denial B Take Care of

# 1

Lent 5 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Power Pilate B The Government Has the

Power

Lent 6 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Death Ladies at the Tomb B Death is Final

· MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship. These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a pot luck meal, and there is no cost. Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people!

· PASSOVER –We will celebrate a PASSOVER MEAL of lamb, green salad, charoseth (apple and raisin relish), unleavened bread, and wine or grape juice at 6:00 p.m. on Manudy Thursday, April 17. (This time gives people a chance to arrive from work.) The Passover is was a Jewish celebration of God saving His people from slavery in Egypt. However, this ceremony also helps Christians understand Jesus’ Passion and His Easter victory.

Pastor Chris will teach the Adult Sunday School class on The Pastoral Epistles, and Pastor Rockey will teach the new member class.

Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10 and will finish on March 17. In addition, those who are committed to training as supervised Christian Care Givers include: Julie Dicks, Tina Gorske, Patti Holloway, Debbie Jones, Marge Polkowski, Kathy Rockey, Stephanie Smith, and Jon Visscher.

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, Narch 12, we read through Ezekiel 15.

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· On Thursday, March 6, I tried to fish on two favorite lakes. The wind was blowing. White caps filled the water. Waves lapped on the shore. I tried, but no luck. However, here are pictures of the two lakes I tried. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6Fmq6AaKF8enWwJRA

· On Sunday afternoon, March 9, Kathy and our daughter, Mary, and I drove to Jeckyll Island to see some sites and celebrate Kathy’s birthday on Monday, March 10. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/bMFh55AiWDD6epeA9

· On Monday, March 10, on the way home from Jeckyll Island, we stopped to visited long-time friends, Everett and Edie Conaway, in Callahan, FL. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/kEtRxFt8EF5hpkHG8

· On Saturday, March 1, (I forgot to share this last week) friends we met in Germany, Harold and Susan Boxberger, visited in Florida. The Boxbergers were our ‘deputy directors’ when we served with Wittenberg English Ministry in Germany last October. Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/UrqBmmvVNnA3mU4C9

*******

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, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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, March 5, 2025

Seeking to Live Repentance for my Sin, and to Live Hope Because of Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 this year, the year of 2025 A.D. Ash Wednesday begins a season of repentance, a season which also prepares God’s people to celebrate the joy of Easter. Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for Children of God to reset their priorities. Ash Wednesday allows us to live in the truth of our sin, and in the greater truth of God’s grace and love.

But some may ask, “Ashes? Really? Why put ashes on your forehead?” A mark of ashes is intended to be an outward sign of inward repentance for our sin. But this is not just a modern liturgical symbol of western Christians. The idea of ashes has a long Biblical history and tradition. If you study your Bible you will find Abraham (Genesis 18:27), Mordecai (Esther 4:1 and 3), Job (Job 42:4-6), Isaiah (Isaiah 58:5), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 6:26). Daniel (Daniel 9:3), and even Jesus (Matthew 11:21 and Luke 10:13) speak about ashes as a sign of sorrow, and as an outward sharing of heart-felt repentance for sin.

We have good reason for repentant hearts. Romans 3 reminds us that we have all offended the Creator and Lord of all with our hard hearts and rebellious actions. “²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. . . .” (Romans 3:23-25) So, the mark of ashes shows sorrow that we have disobeyed the one who created us and loves us. Ashes on our foreheads indicates sorrow that we are unable to make our lives perfect. Ashes show the sorrow in our hearts that we face death because of our sin. A cross of ashes tells the world that we cannot trust our own righteousness, but that we trust the forgiveness God gives by the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

The cross of ashes not only expresses sorrow for our sin, but also reminds us of our hope in Jesus. We are told that Jesus began his ministry with such a call to God’s people. “¹⁴ . . . Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, ¹⁵ and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’" (Mark 1:14b-15) How do God’s children respond to the presence of Jesus and respond to the kingdom of God? We “repent and believe.”

Actually, Christians repent, we do admit and turn from our sins, but WE DO NOT LOSE HOPE! We turn from our sin and we turn to God in trust and faith, because of Jesus. In 1 Peter 5 we are encouraged, “⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ⁷ casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7) So, that is the message of Lent. Sinful, failed people confess our transgressions to God, and we turn to Him, casting all our cares on Him because He cares for us . . . in Jesus!

I have recently been reading a Christian news source called “Pour Over.” On Ash Wednesday the ‘Quote of the Day’ was from famed New Testament Scholar N. T. Wright. “Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault-finding or finger-pointing, but because He wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things He now has in store.”

In other words, Ash Wednesday helps us face our lives and face our eternity honestly. We admit our sin and our lost-ness. But, we look forward to the cleansing from our sin by Jesus. We admit that we “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We hope because, by faith, we ”²⁴ . . . are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”

How will you observe Ash Wednesday? How will you live your faith this Lent? As I grow as a child of God, I find the cross of ashes calls me to sorrow for my sin, but also calls me to hope because of God’s saving love in Jessu!

A Child of God, Seeking to Live Repentance for my Sin, and to Live Hope Because of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. Here are some Scripture verses referring to Ashes.

Verses including ‘Ashes’:

Genesis. 18:27 Abraham answered and said, "Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.

Numbers 19:1- (Special Treatment of Ashes from the Sacrifice for sins.)

1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 2 "This is a requirement of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke. 3 Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. 4 Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. 5 While he watches, the heifer is to be burned-- its hide, flesh, blood and offal. 6 The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. 7 After that, the priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean till evening. 8 The man who burns it must also wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he too will be unclean till evening. 9 "A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They shall be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin. 10 The man who gathers up the ashes of the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he too will be unclean till evening. This will be a lasting ordinance both for the Israelites and for the aliens living among them.

Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

Job 42:4-6 4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.' 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Jeremiah 6:26 O my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.

Daniel 9: 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Luke 10: 13 "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

P.P.S. I continue to serve as part-time assistant pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Kollmann until Kathy and I return home to Alaska in early May.

Lent 1 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Glory Palm Sunday, Upper Room

Lent 2 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Prayer Gethsemane (‘Not my will but your

Will’ B Does God answer prayer?)

Lent 3 - God=s Wisdom About Forgiveness Judas B Forgiveness Can=t be Real . .

. for me

Lent 4 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Selfishness Peter=s Denial B Take Care of

# 1

Lent 5 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Power Pilate B The Government Has the

Power

Lent 6 - God=s Wisdom Concerning Death Ladies at the Tomb B Death is Final

· MID WEEK LENTEN MEALS - Each Wednesday during Lent at 5:00 p.m. First Lutheran families will serve meals before our mid-week Lenten worship. These meals provide an opportunity for fellowship and make it easier for people to attend Wednesday Lenten Worship, since we don=t have to bring anything after work for a pot luck meal, and there is no cost. Come and enjoy the meals and the time with God’s people!

· SPECIAL OFFERING – SPAGHETTI FEED – ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2 three young men put on a spaghetti feed to help raise funds. The food is purchased through a Thrivent Action Grant. Kathy Rockey helped them prepare the meal. This meal was to raise funds for their trip to the “Vocatio” Retreat at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis as they consider studying to be pastors. The spaghetti dinner raised $1196.00 THANK YOU to all who contributed!

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack.

Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship.

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.” On Wednesday, February 26, we read through Ezekiel 2.

· LAST SUNDAY, MARCH 2 We began a New Member Class at First Lutheran. IN THE LIBRARY AT 8:45 A.M. Five people attended, but others can join us, if you wish. Our Class is entitled “Basic Christian Teachings.” If someone wants to learn more, or to refresh their knowledge, come and join us. There is no commitment to join FLC just because a person attends the class.

Pastor Chris will teach the Adult Sunday School class on The Pastoral Epistles, and Pastor Rockey will teach the new member class.

· AN ACOLYTE CLASS was held on Saturday, March 1 for children in second grade and older who would like to light the candles and help in worship in other ways. After class we will took a trip to McDonalds! 😊We have 7 young people who have indicated an interest, but others may attend as well. If you are interested please let Pastor Kollmann or Pastor Rockey know.

· CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN JESUS’ NAME

o On February 23 First Lutheran had a blood drive. including blood donated on Saturday and Monday, a total of 10 units were donated.

o IN ADDITION this is some of the food which was donated for those in need through the Gainesville Community Ministries. This picture was taken Tuesday, March 4. https://photos.app.goo.gl/qbCPmuTA9Fo1myFZ7

P.P.P.S. Fishing and Family Fun:

· On Thursday, February 27, I went fishing on Orange Lake with brother-in-law, Mark Reaves. As we were leaving the canal we . . . ran out of gas. Thank you to Ralph and Roberta Partridge who came to the dock with a 5 gallon can of gas! 😊

Here is a picture of Brother in law, Mark, with a nice 14" bass. he caught this fish as we were coming back with the trolling motor because . . . I RAN OUT OF GAS!https://photos.app.goo.gl/neMBpBiRuvsWnEFWA

· On Sunday afternoon, March 2, brother Steve and I went fishing. We only caught one, but it was a nice fish. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/j8H5C49WSAZjFERo8

· On Monday, March 3, I thanked the Partridges for the gift of gas by bringing fish. Of course, if I go near the lake, well . . . I SHOULD fish!. I caught a small one which I released, but did notice a controlled burn on the north side of the lake. The weather was cool and windy. The fish did not want to bite well, but I could still throw my line.Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LHT5ekSVhR4UA2TKA

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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, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

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)