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.

 

·       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 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. 

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, February 26, we read through Ezekiel 2.

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!

 

·       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.

 

·       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 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. 

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.

 

·       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

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

Wanting and Needing to LISTEN to and Follow The Lord of Love!

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

As a parent, I have at times been frustrated when I would tell my children something, something which I intended for their good, or for the good of our family, and somehow they forgot it. Or they ignored it. Or they had not paid attention in the beginning when I was talking with them.  In other words, THEY DID NOT LISTEN!

 

However, you know the old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”  I was also accused of such behavior many times when I was a child, for good reason.  In fact, I remember a specific time I was staying with my uncle and aunt because my parents were out of town.  I knew I was supposed to be home at 6:00 p.m.  But I was at the home of a good friend with horses.  I knew I was ignoring the time, so I returned home late.  They were furious, with good reason.  I DID NOT LISTEN!  In fact, my wife has sometimes suggested the same behavior.  Imagine!

 

The point is, that when I spoke to my children, it was ultimately for their good.  When my uncle and aunt set a time for me to be home, it was for my own good, so that they knew I was safe.  When my wife wants me to listen, the idea is that good communication strengthens our relationship.  And yet, people, myself included, still have trouble listening!  Frustrating!!

 

In addition to this problem we have with listening, I have been taught in numerous classes, that good communication depends more on listening than on speaking.  And yet, people still struggle to listen.  It sounds like a pattern, doesn’t it?

 

I share musings on these challenges from life because of Scripture verses which I have recently read.  In my devotional readings on Tuesday, February 25, the readings were from Jeremiah 43-45.  In these verses, after the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, Jeremiah brings God’s word to Jewish exiles who have fled to Egypt.  Jeremiah shares God’s instructions for the good of these Jews.  Yet, consider their answer. “¹⁵ . . . all the people who lived in Pathros in the land of Egypt, answered Jeremiah: ¹⁶ ‘As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, WE WILL NOT LISTEN TO YOU!’”  (Jeremiah 44:15-16)  Refusal to listen is not just behavior of people in our time. The people of Israel are famous for ignoring the word of God.

 

Then, in our staff meeting at First Lutheran later on February 25, we read and studied the account about Jesus’ transfiguration in Luke.  After Jesus’ clothing and face shone dazzling white, revealing His glory as the Son of God, the Heavenly Father explains this awesome experience to the disciples.  “³⁴ . . . a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; LISTEN to him!’"   (Luke 9:34-35)  Even Jesus’ disciples are reminded to “Listen.”  Even though Peter, James, and John were followers of Jesus, they still struggled at time to understand His words.  The struggled to believe who He was.  Therefore, they struggled to listen to Him and to follow His instructions.

 

If we consider the disciples, and if we consider the people of Jeremiah’s time, we can learn lessons that will help us when we struggle to listen to our Lord.  First, consider the one who is speaking.  The disciples heard the voice of the Heavenly Father Himself. The One speaking to them is Creator; He is Ruler; He is Lord!  If there is anyone worth listening to, it is our Heavenly Father. 

 

God’s words are not just words from the One who is all-powerful, but they are also words of love!  Fathers really do want what is best for their children.  Even more, our Heavenly Father loves His children.  Because the words of God are intended for our good in this life, and for our good eternally, it is worth listening!

 

Finally, the disciples were to listen to Jesus!  Jesus is Lord.  But, even more, Jesus is our Savior.  Jesus came to earth, for us.  Jesus suffered and died for us.  Jesus rose for us.  In my heart I really do want to listen to the one who has done all that for me!

 

The Heavenly Father spoke to the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, After Jesus had risen and ascended, they better understood this experience.  Peter wrote, “¹⁷ For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,’ ¹⁸ we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. ¹⁹ And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,”  (2 Peter 1:17-20) Peter’s point was, “We needed to listen to the Heavenly Father when Jesus was transfigured.  You need to pay attention to God’s Word as well.”

 

Don’t you want to listen to the All-Powerful Lord who loves you, who forgives you, who lovingly has your life in His hands?  Remember the words of our Father in heaven.  “This is my Son, my Chosen One; LISTEN to him!’"

 

A Child of God, Wanting and Needing to LISTEN to and Follow The Lord of Love!

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.

 

·       SPECIAL OFFERING – SPAGHETTI FEED

o   - WE TOOK A SPECIAL OFFERING DURING THE INSTALLATION SERVICE for 3 young men, Jonathan Albertin, Patrick Bier, and Will Starr, who are planning to go to seminary and study to be pastors in the Lutheran Church.  They will be traveling to St. Louis in April to attend a ‘Vocatio Retreat’ to learn about studying to be a pastor.  That offering totaled $2917.00!

 

o   THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 2 these young men will be putting on a spaghetti feed to help raise funds.  The food is purchased through a Thrivent Action Grant.  Kathy Rockey is helping them prepare the meal.  They are cooking for 100 people!  SO EVERYONE ATTEND!

 

·       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 4 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, February 26, we read through Jeremiah 49.

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!

 

·       THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 2 We will begin A New Member Class at First Lutheran. IN THE LIBRARY AT 8:45 A.M.   Five people have indicated a desire to attend, 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 will be 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 take a trip to McDonalds!  😊We have 7 young people who have indicated an interest, but others may attend as well.

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY – First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program at First Lutheran.  Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10.  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.  Stay tuned for more information as the training process progresses.  Please pray for this caring ministry at First Lutheran.

 

 

P.P.S. Family Fun:

 

·       After driving to Key West to see a Garrison Keillor show, and to see the city, Kathy and I visited friends in Bradenton.

o   We say Paul Forsyth and her sister Doris.  Paula was our next door neighbor in Gainesville before her health changed.  She now lives with her sister Doris.  We neglected to take pictures.  ☹

 

o   Then we stopped to visit Alaska friends. We saw Fred and Kelly Vasilie, and their cousins Karen and Chris.  You sometime see pictures of Fred and me fishing, in Alaska, AND in Florida.  Here are pictures of our visit in Bradenton. https://photos.app.goo.gl/BJLrmU9hmUB1cSPt6

 

Fishing: -

·       Boat Maintenance – Like a car, a boat needs maintaining.  On Saturday, February 22, and Monday, February 24, I did the following: changed the fluid in the lower unit, changed the oil in the power head, greased the hubs on the trailer wheels, tightened the rail on the trailer, installed a new deck cup holder, and prepared a new runner for the trailer.  Whew!  Here are two pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZXdXqfjEoHrNG36X6

 

·       Fishing, February 23 – I took fishing one of the University students, Patrick Bier, who is attending First Lutheran.  There was more fishing than catching involved.  I do have a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zw2VxpiXNKQjSD1Y9

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

  

Believing in The Holy Christian Church – Watching the Mystery of God at Work

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

When it comes to your Christian faith, what do you believe?  The Apostles Creed is a good summary of what Christians believe.  Perhaps you, like me, “believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”  If you are a Christian, a believer in the Christ, then you “believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.”  If you are a Christian, then you also believe God works in your heart through the Holy Spirit.  “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” 

 

But what do you believe about The Church?  In the Third Article of the Apostles Creed we say “I believe in the Holy Spirit, The Holy Christian Church.”  It may be one thing to believe in God, the all loving, all powerful, Creator, Savior, and Comforter.  But it is something else to believe in the church! When I served as volunteer chaplain on a regular basis at Mat-Su Regional Hospital and introduced myself to patients as the chaplain, I often heard. “I don’t believe in organized religion.”  My response was, I’m not here to talk about a specific religion, but I will talk with you about God.”  Sometimes they were then willing to have a conversation.

 

There is a reason for such feelings of skepticism about the Christian Church.  Two weeks ago we read in worship from Luke 5, about Jesus calling Peter and Andrew, James and John, to follow Him.  After a miraculous catch of fish, we are told of Peter, ^“when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8)  Jesus never denied Peter’s sin.  But, even knowing Peter’s failings, Jesus still said, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." (Luke 5:10) The work of spreading the kingdom of God, of ‘fishing for men,’ is a HOLY work. Yet, surprisingly, in grace, God uses sinners like Peter, like you and me, like other members of The Holy Christian Church!  I understand why people have trouble with The Church.  Yet, mysteriously and graciously, God chooses to do His holy work through sinners. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, and often we see a mess.  BUT, Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)  Jesus does call sinners to faith and forgiveness through His Church. And, Jesus uses sinners to do the work of the church!  That’s Amazing Grace!

 

Please know that the church is not the idea of human beings.  After Peter confessed that Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16), we read, “¹⁷ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’" (Matthew 16:17-19) The church belongs to JESUS.  Jesus BUILDS HIS church through the administration and sharing of His forgiving love.  Jesus’ church will accomplish bringing many to salvation through faith in Christ because, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!”  Throughout the rest of His ministry on earth Jesus instructed His disciples, and called them to bring others to faith in His love, found in Jesus death and resurrection.

 

That is a LONG WAY TO GO to share that I saw Jesus working in His church this past Sunday evening, February 16.  The people of First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, had been without a full-time settled pastor since the first Sunday in August 2023.  They studied, and met, and called two other men, who declined the request to be pastor at this congregation.  But, after prayer they were then led to call Pastor Chris Kollman. He said, “Yes.” On Sunday evening Pastor Kollmann was installed as the new man called to shepherd the sheep of Jesus in this place.

 

I told Pastor Kollmann in front of the congregation, “The people of First Lutheran have been praying for almost a year and a half for God to send a man to lead then in following Jesus.  They did not know who this would be.  You are that man.  It is a wonderful thing to be God’s answer to prayer.”

 

Surprisingly, God works to share His saving love in Jesus with the whole world through men and women who are sinners.  I do believe in the mystery of God’s work through The Holy Christian Church.  I saw God working on Sunday night!

 

A Child of God, Believing in The Holy Christian Church – Watching the Mystery of God at Work,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.   I served as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until they received a new permanent full-time pastor.   Last Sunday, February 16, Pastor Chris Kollman was installed to serve First Lutheran as full-time pastor.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YrU1rrX42QDaQAPQ6

 

·       In response to the request of First Lutheran Church, and at the request of Pastor Kollmann, I will continue to serve 1/4 time with Pastor Kollmann until Kathy and I return home to Alaska in early May.

 

·       WE TOOK A SPECIAL OFFERING DURING THE INSTALLATION SERVICE – There is a shortage of pastor in the Lutheran Church, in most churches.  But, First Lutheran has two young men who attended worship here already in seminary.  There are also 3 other young men, Jonathan Albertin, Patrick Bier, and Will Starr, who are planning to go to seminary and study to be pastors in the Lutheran Church.  They will be traveling to St. Louis in April to attend a ‘Vocatio Retreat’ to learn about studying to be a pastor.

THEREFORE, during the Installation Service on Sunday, February 16, we TOOK an offering to help these 3 young men in the trip.

 

·       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 4 more teachers, so students can be separated by ages in classes.  PLEASE SIGN UP ON THE TABLE IN THE BACK OF THE CHURCH.

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 Christianity” and discussing defending our Christian faith.  Come and join us!   

ALSO, there will be College Lunch for students in the Fellowship Hall after worship beginning on February 9.

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY – First Lutheran is re-activating the Stephen Ministry program at First Lutheran.  Angie Burr, Jean Halabrin, and Dana Lucas STARTED leadership training on February 10.  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.  Stay tuned for more information as the training process progresses.  Please pray for this caring ministry at First Lutheran.

 

·       WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible.”  On Wednesday, February 19, we read through Jeremiah 33.

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!

 

·       We will begin A New Member Class at First Lutheran on Sunday, March 2.   Three people have indicated a desire to attend, but others can join us, if for no other reason to refresh your / their faith.

Class will be held on Sunday mornings at the same time as the Adult Sunday School Class, from 8:45-9:45, in one of the church offices.  Pastor Chris will teach the class on The Pastoral Epistles, and Pastor Rockey will teach the new member class.

 

·       AN ACOLYTE CLASS will be 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 take a trip to McDonalds!  😊

 

P.P.S. Family Fun:

·       On Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, Kathy and I had the privilege of visiting with some long-time (and 0ld) friends from Alaska.  John and Ruhiyyia Baker have a home in Chipley, Florida, north of Panama City.  Pastor Denny and Sue Neels flew south to visit.  We all spent time together visiting, eating , and enjoying some state parks.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/rEKtuDbCJM6WDDKq7

 

·       Kathy and I left for Key West after the installation of Pastor Kollmann.  We saw a show by a favorite, Garisson Keillor.  Here are some picture from the show https://photos.app.goo.gl/hJrUp46JpytV56VcA .

o   Here are pictures from touring the city.  We think the architchture reminds us of St. Augustine, but the nighth life reminds us of New Orleans.  We went home early.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q1Ex1R4qK17nfmDm7

 

o   We stayed for two nights on a houseboat   https://photos.app.goo.gl/nqQ7T7WGrwgRj86a9

 

o   I did fish on Tuesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 19.  I caught more fish from the bridge than from the $400 charter boat.  But fishing is fishing.  I LOVE being on or near the water!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TFCsDXcg7fG5KymUA

 

·       On our way down to Key West, Kathy and I stayed with long-time friends, Rick and Kris Armstrong.  We did not get any pictures.  :-(

 

·       Driving home to Gainesville we are stopping to see Paul Forsyth in Bradenton..  She was our next door neighbor in Gainsville, and now lives with her sister Doris.

 

·       After Port Charlotte we are stopping to visit Alaska friends, Fred and Kelly Vasilie.  You sometime see pictures of Fred and me fishing, in Alaska, AND in Florida.  😊

 

 

 

*******

 

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)