Experiencing Death and Life, With Jesus by My Side!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I recently had a couple of experiences where unexpected bad new, was followed by surprising good news.  I might describe these as two situations where death became life, a kind of “resurrection.”  First, on Thursday, March 27, while fishing on Orange Lake my trolling motor acted up.  I tried a minor fix with no luck.  Then, when I got out of the water the motor itself was not straight like it should be, but extending outward at an angle.  In addition, a gasket which keeps water out of the electric brushes was bulging.  If water gets into those brushes, the motor dies.  Sigh!  There is an authorized repairman for my trolling motor right around the corner from our Gainesville home, and I brought my motor there after leaving the lake. “What happened?” he asked.  “I’ve never seen anything like this!”  Coming from the repairman, that is not good!  I was worried I had killed this vital tool for my Florida fishing trips.  And, with the motor in the shop, it also meant that I missed fishing on Saturday and Sunday.

 

However, on Thursday evening, after dropping off my trolling motor for repair, and then after returning home from a Mission and Ministry Council meeting, I received what was truly bad news.  Fishing and boats are only a hobby.  But, I received really bad news about a friend of mine, Pastor Phil Kuehnert.  Phil and I served congregations in Alaska at the same time.  Even though he retired over 15 years ago, we still keep in touch with one another.  Phil and I talked on the phone last year.  In January Kathy and I received a written response to our Christmas letter from Phil.  In the last month Phil and I discussed some other issues.  We may live a long distance from one another, but we still keep up with each other.  Yet, on Thursday evening we received word that Phil had returned home from a visit to the hospital emergency room for serious heart issues.  He was off medication, on oxygen, on hospice care, and expecting to pass away soon.  Phil has always liked hymns.  The message from Phil’s daughter, informing us of this sad news, quoted an old hymn to inform us of Phil’s return home, “In joyful hope to die.”  Kathy and I grieved the final days of our good friend. 

 

However, in both of these cases, the bad new turned good, at least for a while.  On Monday I received unexpected good news about my trolling motor.  The repairman called me.  He had expected to find big problems with my motor and did not believe he would even have the parts on hand for the repair.  But, he had found little trouble, and replaced a bent part, performed a little tuning up, and for a very minimal charge my motor was working well.  I was surprised.  It was like my dead motor had come back to life.  I took my motor, mounted it on my boat, and I went fishing.  I had to celebrate this bad news turned good!

 

Then Monday evening I read another e-mail message concerning my friend, Phil.  This e-mail was not from Phil’s daughter, but from Phil himself!  He explained that he had returned home off sustaining medication, fully expecting for the Lord to call him home in a couple of weeks.  But, On Saturday he felt better, and Sunday, he felt better still.  I did not pray about my trolling motor, but I have prayed daily for Phil since first hearing of his seriously ill health. Yet, what I prayed for was God’s strength for my friend in his last days.  This message delivered news of a real return to life from death, if even for a short time. Kathy and I rejoiced at the good news.

 

In truth, because of the frequent trials of life, we expect to receive bad new from time to time.  However, when good news comes, it is often a surprise.  I believe I “re-learned” a few lessons from my recent experiences. 

 

One of those lessons is that I do not know what the future holds, but I do know WHO holds the future.  Because God has come into my life, I need to be prepared for life to go better at times than I expect. 

 

Secondly, I’m not sure exactly how to describe how God acted in these two situations, but . . . I do see the hand of my Lord at work!  When I prayed for my friend and things went better than expected, that is not just a coincidence.  I should not be surprised when the Lord blesses my life with good.  Yet, at times I am surprised.

 

Finally, we will soon observe and celebrate the most important death and resurrection in history.  The death of Jesus, the Son of God, and His rising to life from death in a grave, were both a surprise to His followers and the people of His day.  Jesus’ disciples should have known better, but they were surprised, shocked at His arrest. They were stunned by His sham trial.  They were overwhelmed at his crucifixion and death on the cross.  Neither should the disciples have been surprised at Jesus’ resurrection.  Jesus had told them that these things would happen, that all of this was God’s plan to save the world.  We hear Jesus teach His disciples in Matthew 16, and other places. “Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Matthew 16:21)  Bad news was coming, because the Son of God, the Messiah, would die for the sin of the world.  But, good news, better news, would follow as Jesus would rise on the third day defeating sin and deaath.

 

The Lord sees us through the overwhelming surprises when life goes badly.  The Lord is also there to surprise us with good news of His eternal love in the midst of life’s sorrows.  When I know that God works in this way, I can face ANYTHING!

 

I saw the presence of our Lord this past week.  I know the presence and salvation of God when hope seems lost.  But, in the midst of the bad news of life, we have hope in the resurrection of Jesus.  That is no mistake!

 

A Child of God, Experiencing Death and Life, With Jesus by My Side!

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 how the world thinks, with its sinful belief that it holds the key to wisdom.  We will contrast the thinking of our world to the wisdom of God, the better wisdom for healthy and faithful lives.  Here are the weekly topics:

 

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! The Spillanes are serving the meal on April 2, and Sayer Kahlaf is serving on April 9.  THANKS to all who have prepared these meals for God’s children at FLC.

 

·       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 Maundy Thursday, April 17.  (This starting time gives people a chance to arrive from work.) The Passover was a Jewish festival and 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.  So far this year, 31 have signed up.

 

·       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.”

ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12 AT 9:00, WE WILL CONDUCT AN ALL DAY MAKE UP / STUDY AHEAD class.  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. 

 

·       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.  We will commission our leadership team in worship on April 6!

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! 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!

 

·       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 in a world of doubt.  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, April 2, we read through Daniel 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!

 

 

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

 

·       Fishing –

o   Here is a picture of my trolling motor after I got out of the lake.  You see the gasket hanging out.  NOT GOOD!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/bGGPXnTMakCfLqES6

 

o   My trolling motor may have had troubles, but I caught a couple of nice fish on Thursday, March 27, at Orange Lake.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ciTGyjKHYi5TBd6TA

 

o   On Monday, after my trolling motor was repaired, I went fishing.  (Go figure!)  Here are a couple of fish I caught on a favorite lake.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7vjkthprrKcQ6nE7

 

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

Seeking to Practice the Repentance of Lent, and to Live the Love of Jesus!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Tuesday evening, March 25, as my wife Kathy and I were eating supper, we discussed my day at work.  Among other things, I visited 9 people in their home or at the hospital. Pastor Chris Kollman and I visited 5 people at one time at Oak Hammock.  Then I visited Larry and Gayle Davis in their home, and Guillermo and Barbara Luna-Victoria in the hospital.  For various reasons of health or age, these folks have challenges in getting out.  A home visit is an easy and effective way to bring the love of Jesus to those who have trouble making it to church at times.

 

Kathy and I then recounted home visits each of us had made over the last 46 years.  Kathy served as a visiting nurse in St. Louis in the early 80’s, and again as a hospice nurse in Alaska in the late 90’s.  She remembers many people and homes she visited, and their unique personalities.  I have made visits on church members and friend now in many congregations.  Kathy and I shared memories with one another of those visits.

 

Then, as we talked, Kathy and I also commented on some special visits.  I used to bring my children and later my grandchildren with me when I visited people in their homes.  I remember Minnie Rose.  She was in the nursing care unit of a Lutheran nursing home, “Altenheim,” in St. Louis.  When I began visiting Minnie, she said little or nothing because of dementia.  But after our son, Joshua, was born, I brought him with me on many of my visits.  As soon as she saw my infant son in arms, Minne spoke!  “What is his name?  How old is he? Is he your first child?”  It is amazing how people respond to some caring attention, perhaps especially from children.

 

I also used to take Josh with me when I conducted worship services at the Tower Hill Nursing home in North St. Louis.  One day I arrived to lead worship without my son.  Some of the residents suggested I not return again without him.  😊 The folks in this home considered it a gift to have an infant child come to visit them.

 

In Alaska, I once took grandchildren Jacob and Emmalee with me one day as I visited 10 separate individuals.  One elderly lady, named Diane, was lonely. She was not officially a member of St. John. Diane was a friend of a friend of the congregation.  But she had asked me to spend time with her as I visited the other lady, so I did.  On this particular visit, after I had read and prayed with Diane, and had served her communion, Jacob and Emma hugged her as we were about to leave.  I remember a tear in Diane’s eye.  It is amazing how a little caring attention for a lonely person makes such a difference!

 

This week in worship we will consider two separate calls from God to love others.  In Wednesday Lenten worship we hear God’s call to turn from selfishly serving only ourselves toward loving and serving others.  In some ways that sounds very simple.  But, in other ways, caring for others really is not very simple.  Consider Jesus.

 

Then, in Sunday worship, we will again listen to Jesus’ wonderful parable of the Prodigal Son.  Jesus is calling the Pharisees and scribes to turn from pride and self-righteousness so that they instead care for the “tax collectors and sinners.”  As before, this sounds simple.  But, in other ways, caring for others really is not easy.  Again, consider what it cost Jesus to love us!

 

Did you ever think that loving others takes an attitude of humble repentance?  Repentance is a turning away from sin, and turning toward our Lord and His will.  It is natural to care for ourselves, to serve ourselves.  Love and care for another requires us to turn away from our natural selfishness, and toward the needs of another.  When we love others, we live the Lenten call to repent.

 

During Lent we especially focus on the care and the love which Jesus gives in His suffering and death. God teaches that Jesus’ sacrificial death and his love are His gift to us, so that we can love and care for others.  “¹⁰ In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:10-11) Jesus loves and cares for us so that we can love and care for others.  Because Lent shows Jesus’s love for us, Lent also calls us to care and to love others. 

 

As I visited people on Tuesday, everyone thanked me for visiting.  In all honesty, I am thankful for the privilege of bringing the love of Jesus to His children, of whatever age.  It is an honor to be in the homes of the saints of our Lord!

 

Do you know anyone who is lonely?  Do you know anyone who feels rejected?  Do you know anyone whose sins and failures make them feel unlovable? Do you know anyone for whom a simple word of encouragement would make all the difference?  When we love others, we really practice the repentance of Lent, and we live in the love of Jesus!

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Practice the Repentance of Lent, and to Live the Love 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 "Conventional Wisdom vs. God's Wisdom." Lent 2025 will look at how the world thinks, with its sinful belief that it holds the key to wisdom.  We will contrast that to God"s wisdom, the better wisdom for healthy and faithful lives.

 

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’ - Does God answer prayer?)

 

            Lent 3 -           God's Wisdom About Forgiveness    Judas - Forgiveness Can't be Real . . . for me

 

            Lent 4 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Selfishness         Peter-s Denial - Take Care of # 1

 

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

 

            Lent 6 -           God's Wisdom Concerning Death      Ladies at the Tomb - 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!

            WE STILL NEED SOMEONE TO SERVE THE LAST LENTEN MEAL ON APRIL 9!

 

·       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 Maundy 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.  So far this year, 31 have signed up.

 

·       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.  On Sunday, March 30, we are handing out catechisms.

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.  We will commission our leadership team in worship, most likely on April 6!

 

·       SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May, and GROWING! 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, March 26, we read through Ezekiel 42.

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:

 

·       We planted azaleas a few years ago.  They are getting healthy.  Here are a couple of pictures from March 15, 2025.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9YS9Jxyt3tBqeZB6

 

·       St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Rockey residence, March 17, 2025.  Corned beef and cabbage, homemade biscuits and homemade strawberry jelly!!!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RBGbRan8GLn9DUgV9

 

·       March 17-22 was a week for golf.  I golfed in 2 tournaments, and played 5 times.  On Saturday, March 22, two pastors and two elders from First Lutheran played in a tournament for “Josh’s Place,” a place where young people receive acceptance and care.  Here is a picture of Nathan Gude, Jonathan Rockey, Chris Kollmann, and Jeff Thinschmidt.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WAKxNbBhEBvx5TVk9

 

·       On Sunday, March 22, I went fishing on the Suwannee River after church.  Recent trips there have not been great for catching.  But, I did have some bites this time, and caught a nice 18” bass.  I also saw about 10 gators.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xcMK2fbX37TdkQBe7

 

 

 

*******

 

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)

 

 

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)