Thankful That in the Messes of Our World, God Works GOOD, Through Jesus

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Tuesday afternoon, March 24, I was visiting with a homebound church member.   This 95 year-old lady is still sharp.  As we discussed how she was doing personally, she changed the subject.  “The world is a mess!”  While not wanting to overlook our blessings, I expect that each of us could find reasons we think our world is going in the wrong direction.  This woman of faith was commenting on the various wars around the world.  But I have heard people talk about crime, and about a lack of Christian faith and values where they once existed.  Others talk about personal issues.  Each of us knows problems in our world, problems beyond our wisdom and strength, problems which it seems only God can deal with.

 

So, during the week before Holy Week, what do you think the disciples were thinking.  If we follow Scripture, it seems that the John 11 account of Jesus raising Lazarus occurred just before the events of Holy Week.  His disciples knew the danger as he chose to travel to Jerusalem.  “The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?" (John 11:8) The raising of Lazarus preceded the excitement of Palm Sunday and Jesus’ week of disputes in the temple.  Then after the Passover Jesus was arrested, and tried on false charges, beaten and humiliated, and finally nailed to a cross until he died. 

 

Jesus, the promised Messiah is put on trial by the religious leaders for fulfilling the messianic promises of the Old Testament!  Jesus, the Son of God, the author of life, DIES!  The hopes of the disciples for the coming of the kingdom of God are destroyed, they think.  We think the world is in a mess.  How do you think the disciples felt?  Did they think their lives were a mess?

 

In order to receive the blessings of Jesus’ Easter victory, it is important that we also experience the events and struggles of Holy Week.  Jesus’ rising meant victory over the treachery and violence of the religious leaders of His time.  Jesus’ rising meant victory over the disappointments and troubles the disciples felt.  Jesus’ rising meant victory over sin and death, over our sin and death.  Therefore, please consider two Bible verses from Romans 8.

 

Many people I know have considered Romans 8:28 as their favorite verse.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  Please consider what God is not saying.  This verse from God’s word does not promise that God only allows good things to happen to us.  We know our world is full of evil because of the sin in our world, and because of the sin in our lives.  It only makes sense that our selfishness, our hatred, our greed, cause troubles in our lives.  What the verse does say is that all things work together for good.  God even uses the arrest, and the false trial, and the beating, and the crucifixion, and the death of Jesus to work good.  Jesus, the Son of God, takes on the sin of the world and pays the debt we owe.  Jesus’ suffering and death is the WORST thing which could ever happen.  Our Heavenly Father uses even the worst, the death of His Son, to love us, to forgive us, and to save us.  Through our Lord, “ . . . all things work together for good.”  Our sin leads to suffering and death, but GOD WORKS GOOD. 

 

Then, in Romans 8:38-39 our Lord promises, “³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our Lord loves us through death, and through the trials of life.  Our Lord loves us through enemies, through evil powers.  Our Lord loves us eternally through the death and resurrection of Jesus so that NOTHING will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 

If God even works through the mess of Jesus’ arrest, and suffering, and death, He can work in the mess of our world.  In fact, God promises that no matter what mess we face, His love for us in Jesus is sure.

 

What mess do you see in our world? In your life?  Do you also know the more powerful love which our Lord gives through Jesus?  Our world, or our lives, may indeed be a mess.  But through the events of Holy Week, in Jesus, “ . . . all things work together for good.”

 

A Child of God, Thankful That in the Messes of Our World, God Works GOOD, Through Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

BAPTISM OF CHARLOTTE ZORAIDA BARNETT, MARCH 22, 2026 – On Sunday, March 22 Charlotte Zoraida Barnett, child of Keith and Katie (Brabham) Barnett was baptized.  Here are two pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mX4JJxxfCxWxWRey7

 

 

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

 

Palm Sunday – March 29^th              10:00 Worship

 

Maundy Thursday – April 2^nd        

5:30 p.m. Passover Seder meal in the Fellowship Hall

                                               

                                                            Noon and 7:00 p.m. Worship

 

Good Friday – April 3^rd                   Noon and 6:00 p.m Worship

 

Easter morning – April 5^th

                                                            8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship

                                                            9:30-10:30 Easter Breakfast

                                                            10:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they are Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  Susan Lucas is also beginning training to serve as a Stephen Leader for FLC. 

We have 8 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and will end in April.

Please pray for our Lord to use these Stephen Ministers to serve His people.

 

·       SUNDAY BIBLE CLASSES - Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

 

o   On Sunday, March 22, Pastor Kollmann will begin teaching an Adult Member Class in the library. 

 

o   I will teach a separate class in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. We hope to begin with a study of Galatians, and conclude with a Lutheran Hour Ministries study of Christian citizenship.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our first youth activity was held at the Kollmann residence on Sunday afternoon, February 22. 

 

o   We are also discussing other monthly activities. 

§  THIS COMING SUNDAY, March 29, we will take  a trip to Devil’s Millhopper.  Let’s meet thereat 3:00 p.m. for time visiting this sink hole and state geological site, and for a picnic afterward.

 

§  We plan to attend the Orange and Blue Game on April 11.  😊   If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two year journey with my Lord.  On Wednesday, March 25, I read Numbers 13-15.  In these verses  God teaches about the Israelite spies first entering the Promised Land, and about how those who spied spread fear and doubt.

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

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   - LAST WEEK WAS A TIME OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

 

·       On Friday, March 20, after visiting some members, Kathy and I visited with friends, Harold and Emily Vetter at Corky Bell’s Restaurant in Palatka.  BEFORE meeting, I went fishing on the St. John’s River.  In an hour and a half of fishing I caught one bass.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dK99kBojYFcdpWPh7

 

·       On Sunday, March 22, after worship, I explored the Rodman Reservoir. This great lake for fishing has been closed as the state does regular weed control.  The water started building up again on March 1.  Unfortunately, the water is still low, and after a few hours of fishing I had no bites.  It was a good time of exploration.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/pBCvq7cVeX8nM6WdA

 

 

*******

 

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 currently serve as Assistant to the 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

Assistant to the 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)

 

 

Do you Have an Encourager Like Tychicus? Are You an Encourager?

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

Do you know who Tychicus was in Biblical times? On March 15 I finished teaching a course on the book of Ephesians.  In the last few verses of Ephesians, our Lord inspired Paul to write, “²¹ So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. ²² I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. ²³ Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.” (Ephesians 6:21-24)  The Ephesians were concerned about the Apostle Paul who was in prison.  Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus to assure them that he was fine and that, in fact, God was even working through Paul’s imprisonment.  Paul sent Tychichus to encourage the church.  Tychicus was an “encourager” who assured the Ephesian church of Paul’s well-being, and of God’s goodness.

 

Who encourages you? Or, whom do you encourage?  It is a TWO-WAY street!

 

I received a text the evening of Monday, March 16, from friend, Carolyn Purser. Carolyn informed me about our mutual friend, Ted Bell.  Ted is a long-time Palmer resident, who nevertheless carries a deep southern drawl when he speaks.  Many know Ted as a local photographer and community supporter.  My children remember Ted as the man who tried to get people to smile for a picture by requesting, “Everyone say Iguigig.” (Iguigig is the town in Western Alaska.) I have known Ted since 1991.  Over the years Ted has become a friend, someone with whom I have somewhat regular conversations about our Lord.

 

Carolyn let me know that Ted was ill, and that Ted was hoping for a visit.  It is hard to visit someone in Alaska when I am in Florida for a few months.  Nevertheless, I called Ted.  He had injured his shoulder and went in for surgery.  Unfortunately, the doctors found cancer everywhere.  Kathy and I talked with Ted.  He told us he had lung cancer which had spread to his bones.  He shared that a hospice nurse was at his home as we spoke with him. Even in his time of illness, Ted also greeted Kathy and wished her well. 

 

After talking a little, Ted asked me to pray for him.  I told Ted I would put him on my prayer list.  However, I also prayed with Ted over the phone, with Kathy listening and praying as well.  We prayed for God’s grace.  We prayed that Ted would know peace, and even joy, because of the presence of Jesus during His illness.  We thanked God for Jesus’ victory over sin and death through Jesus’ dying on the cross and through His empty tomb. We thanked God that those victories were in Ted’s life.  Later I put Ted on prayer lists at St. John Lutheran in Palmer, at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak, and at First Lutheran in Gainesville, FL.  I also prayed for Ted on Tuesday morning. 

 

However, at 10:46 a.m. AK time on Tuesday, March 17, I received a text informing me that Ted had passed away. The timing of my conversation with Ted the previous evening, and the timing of his passing, makes those prayers seem even more important in the light of how soon he died after we spoke. 

 

I thought of Tychicus, the encourager.  Perhaps the Lord had used Kathy and me to encourage Ted in the love of Jesus during Ted’s last hours.  In truth, even in the time of his terminal illness, our Lord did have Ted in His loving hands.  Because of Jesus’ death for our sins, and because of Jesus’ resurrection for our salvation, Jesus does provide peace and joy even in our trials.

 

On the other hand, Ted also encouraged me, many times, and even on Monday.  Ted, was very positive about the Lord’s work at St. John in Palmer.  Ted asked to receive my weekly devotion.  He often took pictures of church events and sent them to the congregation.  Ted and his late wife, Pam, sometimes attended worship.  He greeted me in the post office and grocery store, and was thankful for the reminders of our Lord’s love.  I am not a perfect person, nor am I a perfect pastor.  Yet Ted let me know that God was getting through to Him with our Lord’s love, sometimes through my efforts.  Sometimes a pastor wonders if he is effective.  Ted encouraged me.  You see, encouragement works both ways!

 

Who encourages you?  Whom can you encourage?  Can you be like Tychicus? Can you, along with Paul, encourage another because of Jesus? “Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 6:23)

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Those Who Encourage Me, Thankful For Those I can Encourage in Faith-Through JESUS!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       WHAT ARE YOUR SUPERPOWERS?  Starting in worship on Sunday, March 8, members and friends of First Lutheran will be asked to fill out a survey as we seek to learn of the abilities and interest of those at FLC.  Here is the QR code for the survey if you have not yet participated.  😊

 

 

 

·       MID-WEEK LENTEN WORSHIP – In the time before Jesus’ Easter victory, we focus on our need for His forgiveness and resurrection.  Lent is a season of repentance for our sin.  Lent is a season when we watch Jesus suffer and die for us.

During our 2026 Mid-Week Lenten Worship at First Lutheran we will focus on

The Sins of the Disciples.  Here is our schedule for the sermons.

February 18 -              Judas                                      Betrayal

February 25 -              James and John                       Who is the Greatest

March 4                       Andrew                                   Pride

March 11                     Peter, James, and John            Laziness/Falling Asleep

March 18                     Peter                                        Denial

March 25                     Thomas                                   Doubt

 

·       SUNDAY SERMON SERIES – During the Sunday Worship Services we will consider Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, looking at different parts of the parable for 6 weeks.  Not only the words of Luke 15 help us understand, but also Timothy Keller’s book, “The Prodigal God.”  Here are our topics for the year’s Sunday Lenten Sermons.

o   Week 1 - Feb 15 - I want your life - Luke 15:11-16, Ephesians 4:17-24

o   Week 2 - Feb 22^nd - The Younger Brother's Plan - Luke 15:11-24

o   Week 3 - March 1 - Redefining Sin and Lostness - Luke 15: 11-16, 25-32, 

o   Week 4 - March 8^th - He Ran to Me - Luke 15:11-24, Philippians 2:1-11

o   Week 5 - March 15^th - The True Elder Brother - Luke 15:25-32, Matthew 28-34-40

o   Week 6 - March 22^nd - How does it End? - Luke 15:25-32, Mark 8:31-33

 

·       HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

 

Palm Sunday – March 29^th              10:00 Worship

 

Maundy Thursday – April 2^nd         5:30 p.m. Seder meal in the Fellowship Hall

                                                            Noon and 7:00 p.m. Worship

 

Good Friday – April 3^rd                   Noon and 6:00 p.m Worship

 

Easter morning – April 5^th

                                                            8:30 and 11:00 a.m. Worship

                                                            9:30-10:30 Easter Breakfast

                                                            10:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they are Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  Susan Lucas is also beginning training to serve as a Stephen Leader for FLC. 

We have 8 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. and will end in April.

Please pray for our Lord to use these Stephen Ministers to serve His people.

 

·       Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m. We begin NEW classes on Sunday, March 22.

 

o   On Sunday, March 22, Pastor Kollmann will begin teaching an Adult Member Class in the library. 

 

o   I will teach a separate class in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. We hope to begin with a study of Galatians, and conclude with a Lutheran Hour Ministries study of Christian citizenship.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   YOUTH ACTIVITIES - Our first youth activity was held at the Kollmann residence on Sunday afternoon, February 22. 

 

o   We are also discussing other monthly activities. 

 

§  On Sunday, March 29 after worship, we will take  a trip to Devil’s Millhopper. 

 

§  We plan to attend the Orange and Blue Game on April 11.  😊   If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two year journey with my Lord.  On Tuesday, March 18, I finished reading Leviticus.

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

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   - LAST WEEK WAS A TIME OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS

 

·       On Monday, March 9, Kathy and I and Mary and Brandon drove to Helen, Georgia, for an annual (sort of) Spring Break family trip.  Sister, Martha, and her husband, Mark Reaves, and brother, Stephen with wife, Lori, planned this almost annual trip.

 

·       On Wednesday, March 11, there were various activities. 

o   Brother, Stephen, and his wife, Lori, and I hiked the highest mountain in Georgia, Brasstown Bald.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RyCxjHA3UB2NgM2Q6

o   We visited “Nora Mills” and “Mark of the Potter” local businesses.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mouRBnf9gFUzHwGi8

o   We ate at the Hofbrau Haus Restaurant in Helen, Georgia, for dinner.

 

·       On Thursday, March 12,

o   We took a train ride from Blue Ridge, GA, to the Tennessee border.  We walked through the towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperville, TN.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ARahZ438j2ojDmW59

o   We watched the sun set from the back porch of our rental. Here are some pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/MwY7Zqhbe3y82d6v6

 

·       On Friday

o   We watched the sun rise one last time. https://photos.app.goo.gl/cjz23sCfDKqj1Um67

o   We took pictures of our whole family group.  Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oNuf3anvJ5MYe5H88

o   As we drove home Kathy got to enjoy some more daffodils.  Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/bqnjp5EYeywfwkCv8

 

·       On Saturday, March 14

o   I led worship  at Oaks Hammock retirement center where First Lutheran members, Lee and Barbara Dockery, Will Droege, and Irene Goebel reside.

o   We drove to Inverness to see Palmer friends Herman and Linda Griese.  Herman and I went fishing before dinner.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/8QDRraXrvVXvWDEr8

 

·       On Sunday WE RESTED!  It was another week FULL of activity and family blessings!!!!   THANK YOU, LORD!

 

 

*******

 

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 currently serve as Assistant to the 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

Assistant to the 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)