Hope in a Time of Darkness

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

We are in the dark days in Alaska; December is upon us.  While I know people who prefer the snow and outdoor recreation opportunities of winter in Alaska, I know of few who prefer the darkness of winter to the light of summer.  We all know how darkness points to the pain and evil in life.  But, experiencing darkness is more than just symbolism.  There is a way that darkness can be oppressive and sap the energy and hope from a person. 

 

Unfortunately, Alaska experiences darkness in many sad forms.  We have some of the highest rates of substance abuse, suicide, and domestic violence of any state in the country.  These activities are not just someone’s idea of what is wrong.  Such self-destructive actions hurt the individual and others around them.  And, such actions shout out that someone may be discouraged, depressed, or has lost hope.  What causes someone to lose hope?  These are obviously complex problems, but I expect that the darkness contributes. 

 

After last month’s election I had someone sit down with me and ask, “Jonathan, tell me som good news.”  He was discouraged.  What causes discouragement in your life?  I have recently heard discouragement from individuals because of terminal illness.  I’ve heard people who are discouraged because of significant financial difficulties.  I have heard discouragement and loss of hope from people because of family troubles.  When life brings pain and disappointment and loss that seems beyond your control, have you sometimes lost hope?

 

This Sunday, however, is the beginning of a season of hope, hope because the love of God is breaking into our world of darkness through God’s Son, Jesus.  The word Advent means ‘coming.’  The church season of Advent, which begins this Sunday, reminds us that God has come and is coming. 

 

To a world that seems to descend more and more into conflict and decay, the King of Righteousness is coming as Judge and Savior.  To people who face illness and uncertainty, the sure love of God comes in Jesus.  To children who don’t know the security of a loving family or a warm bed, God assures eternal love in Jesus.  To people whose mistakes and sins cause them to lose sleep over their regret, Jesus comes in forgiveness.  To a world of people who can be discouraged, frustrated, or depressed, Jesus is hope!

 

No one really knows the actual date that Jesus was born.  But, I am convinced that the early Church knew what it was doing in choosing this time of year to celebrate Advent and Christmas.  Into the time of darkness, the light of the world has come.  Maybe in the darkness of an Alaskan winter that light of the world is even more meaningful.

 

The Gospel of John begins with these words, “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:1-5)

 

The light of the world has come into the darkness in our lives.  In this darkness, Advent points us to the real hope that God has come, and God continues to come to us in Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Full of Hope Because Jesus is Coming

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

****

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

God Be Merciful to me a Sinner - Thanks be to God

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

You know that Kathy and I recently returned from a trip to Germany that included a tour of Luther sites.  I prepared a book for this tour, which was entitled “A Journey of Faith.  Surprisingly one special moment of in this journey of faith happened for me after the official tour was over.  On Sunday, November 11, Kathy and I worshiped at the Market Church in Hannover, Germany.  Hannover is the major city nearest the place from which my ancestors on my dad’s side emigrated to the United in the mid 1800’s.  We were in Hannover looking for my ancestral roots.

 

While searching Hannover for information on my family we first visited the City Hall, or Rathaus.  There we saw a sobering model of the results of bombing in WWII.  Between 80-90 % of the roofs in Hannover were missing from bombing.  After visiting the town hall I was sent to the city archives.  On the way to the archives I saw a bookstore that included the name of my dad’s family on his mom’s side, Stender.  I visited the bookstore and talked to the owner, an elderly, white-haired lady who spoke no English.  From what little my poor German could understand, she had ancestors with the same names as my ancestors.  They weren’t the same people but it is very possible this lady and I were family in some distant way.

 

Then on Sunday Kathy and I sat worshiping in this old church listening to beautiful music and listening to the preaching in German, which I did not totally understand.  What I did understand, however, was what I saw.  The bricks in the enormous pillars were of many different kinds.  The bricks were of different color, and texture.  Some bricks were new and some were old.  In addition, where many other churches we visited had beautiful stained glass windows, only some of the bottom windows in the very front of this church were of stained glass.  The rest of the windows were clear.  It was obvious from the bricks in the pillars and the glass in the windows that this church too had been seriously damaged in the bombing in WWII.

 

This has been quite a year for learning about my family and our roots.  This past May when my dad’s brother died I also learned that he had been administrative aid to General Dwight Eisenhower in the march into and through Germany.  Now I was learning about my relatives and ancestors in Germany.  I have great respect and admiration for all my relatives I have met on my dad’s side.  I especially am thankful for their faith and their wisdom and their ability to deal with problems in a calm and reasonable manner. 

 

In liturgical churches the Sundays of the church year are often named.  The name for this Sunday as we worshiped at the Market Church in Hannover was Fried Sonntag, or Peace Sunday.

So, as I worshiped in this church on Peace Sunday, having met this elderly distant relative in the bookstore and having learned about my uncle’s war history, I realized that my faithful, wise, reasonable ancestors were very likely on different sides in a conflict that greatly damaged this house of God.  Even relatives of Christian faith and wisdom can be led to horrible acts of war.  What also became very clear to me as I sat in this church was the depths of man’s corruption by pride, and by self-righteousness, and through sinful rebellion against God.

 

In Romans 3:23-24 God moved Paul to write, “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  We are all sinful, even those you respect.  We all need forgiveness.  We all need the Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

On this Thanksgiving weekend as I count my blessings, I am very thankful for my family.  What a blessing and Christian heritage I have been given.  But, I am even more thankful for the grace of God that comes to a sinner like me, and sinners like my family, through faith in Jesus Christ.  God is good and merciful.  Thanks and praise be to God!

 

A Child of God, Blessed beyond reason by our Savior, Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  Please remember Thanksgiving Worship is held tonight, November 21, at 7:00 p..m.  I hope many of you take this opportunity to Worship and Thank God for His great love and mercy.

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures that might help you understand this devotion.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/ALessonFromSearchingForFamily?authuser=0&feat=directlink

 

P.P.P.S.  I’m sorry about the extra e-mail you received yesterday.  That was due to the complications of dealing with computers as I tried to have my weekly e-mails sent out while I was gone.

 

 

****

 

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****

 

Giving Thanks

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Recently my wife, Kathy, and I were discussing our personal devotions.  Kathy has started the practice of journaling during her daily devotions.  She writes down thoughts from her devotional Bible readings that strike her head and heart. She also makes notes about her prayers.  In addition, using a suggestion from a book written by Max Lucado and others, “31 Days of Blessings,” Kathy is writing down every day 3 blessings from God for which she is thankful.

 

I like that idea for a number of reasons.  First of all, I have been thinking of devotional suggestions for St. John for 2013.  In addition to joining other Christians in reading God’s Word together, what a wonderful idea to give thanks together.  Imagine if everyone at St. John read God’s word together and wrote down God’s blessings in their lives.  Can you imagine how contagious this attitude of thankfulness would be?

 

Another reason I like this idea is that my mind is turning to the Thanksgiving holiday.  In planning the Thanksgiving worship service and in thinking about the national holiday, it is healthy to consider the blessings of God and to grow a heart of thankfulness.

 

But, mainly I like this idea of writing down reason for thanks because it is at the heart of how God calls us to live.  In Colossians 3:17 we are told, And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  God’s love for us in Jesus gives us reason for hope and joy . . . and thanks in all situations of life.  When life is difficult, we know that God continues to love and forgive us in Jesus.  When life brings smiles, we know the loving hand of God is in these blessings.  And even in the worst of times the blessings of God are present.  So, as God tells us in Colossians, we can do all in Jesus’ name, giving thanks!

 

Imagine if every day each of us at St. John remembers and writes down at least one, or maybe two, or three of God’s blessings in our lives.  After taking time to remember God’s blessings it is natural to give God thanks.  Imagine if we not only remembered God’s blessings and thanked Him, but then shared our reasons for thankfulness with others.  I am convinced that this attitude of thanks and faith will bless everything we do. 

 

There is another benefit to this attitude of thankfulness.  When we share our thankfulness to God we share joy and faith.  I am hoping that in our devotional time each of us grow in thankful hearts.  I hope you will share with me the ways God has blessed you and your reasons for thanks.  I hope that perhaps on many Sundays at the end of worship one member will bless the rest of us with God’s blessing in their life which has caused them to give thanks. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

 

A Child of God, Blessed with Many Reasons to Thank God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I returned home late Wednesday night after a LONG day of travel.  Here is a link to pictures from our Reformation part of our trip.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/ReformationTourAndGermanyTrip10282012To11142012?authuser=0&feat=directlink

 

P.P.S.  My “Picasa” website has a limit of pictures I can post.  However, if you friend “Jonathan Rockey” or “St. John Lutheran Church” on Facebook, you can often see bigger albums.  There is an album I posted on Facebook about our genealogical search.

 

****

 

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****

 

Trusting the Lord to Strengthen Us

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you ever been asked to do something new, something you’ve never done, something that takes you out of your comfort zone?  Recently I was approached in a local restaurant by a lady who, at that time, looked familiar but I did not remember.  She said something like, “Pastor Rockey, I am the director for the VPA play “Sense and Sensibility.”  I think you would make a good ‘Sir John Middleton.’  I’d like you to try out for this part.”

 

I tried to get out of this new experience.  I responded that I had never been in a play before.  I pointed out that I have a very busy schedule.  She assured me she would work with me on those concerns.  So, I asked my congregational President, Dave Nufer, and my wife, Kathy, what they thought.  I thought they might agree I was too busy or that this new opportunity was out of my area of skill and experience.  However, both encouraged me to try out.  Kathy even said she thought this new experience would be good for me. I had tried to say no on three counts to three people, and failed.  I will be tackling a new experience when the play runs January 11 to February 3. 

 

It is not uncommon for God’s people to be asked to do something they are not sure they can do.  In fact, God asks people to do jobs for Him that are much more difficult than simply taking part in a local play.  Often these people also try to say, ‘No!” Moses claimed he had trouble speaking.  Jeremiah told God that he was too young.  Peter told Jesus to leave him, because he was a man of unclean lips.  Each of these men tried to say no to God.  But in each case God equipped and strengthened these men.  God used these men to accomplish His purposes among His people.

 

I bring up this topic because soon many St. John members, many of you, may be asked to consider serving in a task where you may feel uncomfortable.  In order to conduct God’s work many will be asked to help us do the work of evangelism, or the work of Christian education, or to plan worship, or to work with our youth, or to serve in other positions of servant leadership.  On Sunday night, October 21, one of our current leaders was sharing with me that it is difficult at times to find people willing to serve.  This same person, however, shared that trying a new experience and serving God can also be a source of real joy.

 

In 1 Corinthians 12:7, God tells the church, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”  When we seek to serve the Lord we use gifts and talents and abilities He has given.  God gives these gifts for the common good of all in His Church.  When we step out to try new opportunities of service, we are serving the Lord who stepped out for us.  Jesus took human form to live and die and rise to save us

 

So, I am in the play!  I’m still wondering, “What did I do?”  But, I have committed myself to enjoy this new adventure and I hope to find a way to serve and bless others.  I pray that if you are asked to serve the Lord you won’t say, “I can’t,” but instead respond, “God help me to serve You.”

 

A Child of God, Stepping out and Seeking to Grow,

Pastor Jonathan

 

****

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****

 

A Christian Celebration of Reformation Day

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Today, October 31, Kathy and I are in Wittenberg with St. John members Carol Gustafson and Dwayne and Donita Odland.  On October 31, 1517, an obscure catholic monk and university professor posted a document on the church door for the purpose of encouraging a debate on the topic of “indulgences.” This document also touched on the related topics of Scripture, and God’s plan for forgiveness and salvation by His grace through faith.   The document Luther posted, “The Ninety-Five Theses” became the spark that led to the Reformation throughout Europe.

 

The reason Luther posted “The Ninety-Five Theses” is that the church of that time was spreading teachings that he considered contrary to God’s Word, and spreading teachings that caused people to look for salvation and eternal life in a hope that was different than the reason for hope which God has, the life and death and resurrection of Jesus.

 

I personally am thankful for my Lutheran Heritage.  I continue to find Luther’s Reformation principals of “By Grace Alone,” “By Faith Alone,” and “By Scripture Alone” to still guide my own faith and ministry.  I am thankful that the Lutheran Church as I have known it has been committed to learning the Scriptures and teaching the truth of God’s love in Jesus.

 

However, a danger in celebrating the Reformation is that Lutheran Christians, or any Christians, can point our finger at others, and ignore our own failings.  The truth is many churches seek to teach God’s word, not just the Lutheran Church.  We had best not mis-characterize what others teach.  And, the reason we need a Savior is that all of us stumble and sin and fail. 

 

The best way to celebrate the Reformation is to watch our own faith and lives. Jesus tells his disciples in John 8:34-36,  “34 . . . "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  In these words Jesus calls for a personal reformation in each of His followers. 

 

What kind of reformation might we work toward in our own lives?  First, knowing we are sinners we need to constantly repent.  It is important that we admit our selfishness, our greed, our doubt, our sin, and seek God’s help to live in faith and love.  This turning from sin is a constant fight in this life, because everyone who sins is a slave to that sin. 

 

Second, we turn from our sin to the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  A personal reformation means we trust Jesus for forgiveness.  We trust in Jesus to strengthen us for the struggle by His Word and Spirit.  This is what Jesus means when He says, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

 

Finally, we can sustain this personal Reformation by growing in the knowledge, the grace, and the power of God’s Word.  In John 8:31-32, Jesus says, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  God’s Word found in Scripture can guide us in our own personal reformation.  It can teach us how to live.  God’s Word can show us our sin, and show us our Savior, and strengthen us in God’s love so we can continue the struggle of personal repentance and reformation.

 

It is exciting to be in Wittenberg on Reformation Day.  I pray that we all use the occasion and celebration of this historic date for the purpose of growing closer to our Savior, Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Seeking God’s Reformation in My Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

****

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****

 

ST. JOHN NEWS

 

Christian Citizenship

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I voted today, October 22.  Most of you know that Kathy and I leave Friday night, October 26, for a vacation in Germany to celebrate our 35^th anniversary. So we won’t be in Alaska on election day. 

 

One thing I try not to do as a pastor is to tell you for whom I believe you should vote.  One reason for this is that there is no perfect candidate.  God tells us in Scripture we are all sinners.  Everyone has their strengths and their weaknesses.  Imagine if the church supported a candidate who was elected, and this office holder was then involved in a horrible scandal.  Did the church then approve of the scandalous behavior?  Obviously not.  However, it can seem to others that if the church supported a candidate, and the candidate mis-behaves, that children of God then accept that bad behavior.  We want to give a witness that honors our Lord, not one that dishonors Him.

 

However, while as pastor I won’t tell you which candidate you should support, I will seek to pastor and guide Christians to follow what God says about how we should live as God’s children.  God’s people are called to respond to His love and live lives of faith, honor, righteousness, and justice.  We are to love God and love others.   God has given us the Ten Commandments.  These commandments are the healthiest way for us to live, and when we live according to these commandments our lives then give honor and glory to God.

 

So, while as pastor I try not to tell you who to vote for, I will encourage you to act in an informed manner to honor our Lord who loves and saves us.  Before you vote, please ask yourself a few questions.

 

·        God calls his people to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”  (Micah 6:8)  So, which vote will lead to policies and actions of justice and mercy, especially for the vulnerable in society?

 

·        Scripture tells us a purpose of government is to reward those who do good and punish those who do evil.  (Romans 13:4)  When I vote, which vote supports righteousness in our culture?

 

·        Scripture tells us the government is to work for an orderly society so the church can “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:2)  Which vote will provide the best opportunity for God’s church to live as God’s children, and to freely share the Gospel?

 

Please remember, no matter how we vote, we human beings are sinful and have failures.  Just like there is no perfect Christian, there is no perfect leader.  But, we can see directions that a politician endorses, and we can judge which candidate plans a course for our community that most closely follows the direction God gives us.  I firmly believe that when we live as children of God we bless those around us with our faith and love.

 

Christians need to do more than just vote.  God calls his children to work for the good of our communities (Jeremiah 29:4-7), to honor those who serve, (Romans 13:5), and to pray for our leaders. (Jeremiah 29, 1 Timothy 2:1-2) We work for the good of our community and our country when we vote informed by God’s love and direction.

 

The Christian life is a life of response to our loving Lord who has saved us in Jesus.  Jesus describes that Christian life of response with these words, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) I am convinced that when we take our responsibility as citizens seriously, we then show God’s love to others.  I encourage you to vote this election, and I pray for God to bless our community and our country.

 

A Child of God, Seeking to live as a Christian Citizen,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I leave this Friday night / Saturday morning to enjoy a trip to Germany to celebrate our 35^th wedding anniversary.  Actually, we are leading a tour that will explore the history of Martin Luther and the Lutheran Church.  We will be in Wittenberg on Reformation Day, October 31.  St. John church members Dwayne and Donita Odland and Carol Gustafson will be traveling with this group.  We all ask for your prayers for safe travel and growth in knowledge and faith.  A booklet describing our trip has been posted outside the church office.

 

****

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****

 

Waiting on God

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Most of you know that I enjoy fishing.  Well, maybe that is an understatement.  My dad taught me to fish when I was a child, and my enjoyment of fishing has grown as I have.  I have grown to appreciate the time in the outdoors that fishing requires.  I have grown to appreciate the challenge of finding the fish and getting them to bite.  I have grown to find joy and satisfaction in actually catching a fish.  I do enjoy eating the salmon, or the trout, or the halibut, or whatever I catch.  I even like to share what I catch with others.  As you can see, the outdoor adventure we call fishing is a hobby that brings joy to my life.

 

I tell you this because we are currently in a time where fishing must wait.  Two Mondays ago I fished with friend, Gerry Zellar, in a canoe on a local lake.  We caught 6 nice trout.  However, this past Monday there was a film of ice on the lakes, and slush filled the rivers.  We can’t fish in the open waters anymore.  But at this time of year the ice is not safe to walk on.  It will probably take 2 to 3 weeks, or more, before the lakes are safe for ice fishing.  This is the time of year when fishermen just have to wait for the next opportunity to fish.

 

How are you when it comes to being patient, or waiting?  For many any waiting in life is difficult.  Faith in God often includes waiting in many ways.  We wait on answers to prayer.  Christians wait for God to keep His promises.  We are waiting for Jesus to come again when all who believe in Jesus will live with Him in heaven.  Waiting takes faith and trust to know God is faithful.

 

I share these thoughts with you because of my experience this week.  First, I had occasion in a time of worship to read Psalm 130, verses 5-6.  “5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”  Ultimately it is God for whom we wait.  But, God keeps His promises because  God Himself comes to help us.  This has happened when Jesus came to this earth, after much waiting, to pay for the sin of the whole world, and to offer eternal life in heaven to all who believe.  It happens every time God answers a prayer or keeps a promise.  Waiting for God teaches patience and hope.  But, we learn through our waiting that God is faithful, and the wait is worth it. 

 

My other experience this week was to see 2 fervent prayers answered.  One prayer I prayed for someone was answered in a matter of hours.  I was surprised and full of joy when I prayed for someone, and then saw them up and around.  The other prayer was a prayer I’ve been praying for 4-5 years at the request of good friends.  I learned this week that God is acting in the life of the person for whom I am praying and doing wonderful things.

 

There have been some years when the lakes have a safe cover of ice very quickly.  There have been other times when it seems like the opportunity to go ice fishing will never come.  But, in my 22 winters here in Alaska there has never been a winter that the ice fails to come.  When the ice comes, the fishing that occurs is worth the wait.

 

God is faithful.  God comes to help us when he answers our prayers, no matter how long we have waited.  Jesus will come again.  “5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

 

 

A Child of God, Learning Faith by Waiting on God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

****

 

ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

****