Praying that the New Person God Made Me Will Bless Others in 2021

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I got a text from St. John member, Jim Summers, this week sharing a New Year’s joke.  Maybe you have seen this one.  “At 12:01 a.m. on January 1, for the first time ever, ‘Hind Sight will actually be 2020!’”  (Groan)  As you know, the calendar year 2020 is about over, or may be completed when you read this devotion.  We are at the beginning of the year called 2021 A.D.  New York holds a big party every year on New Year’s Eve in Times Square to celebrate the end of one year and beginning of another.  I’ve been told that people are really looking forward to the end of 2020. With our national division in an election year, and with the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 has been tough.  No wonder I hear people say that they are full of hope for a better year in 2021.

 

So, will 2021 actually be better than 2020?  Will the vaccine bring the end to the pandemic?  If the pandemic eases, will our country be able to meet together again in worship? Will children attend school without fear of infection? Will it be legal and safe to eat a meal in restaurants?  Might we even take in a movie?  Will the hateful divisions and fighting in our country stay in the rear view mirror?  Will our personal setbacks and losses in 2020 be forgotten in the coming year?  Will 2021 actually be a better year for us than 2020 has been?

 

No one knows what 2021 will bring, except that our Lord knows all things.  However, you and I do know from experience that there are plenty of problems to be found throughout life.  The explanation for our struggles is simple.  The Lord of All created our world in power, in wisdom, and in love.  But, the world which God created, AND all of us, have rebelled against the Creator and Ruler of all.  Our sinfulness leads to personal failures.  Our sin brings disappointment.  Our rebellion causes hurt feelings, injustice, and suffering.  We can pray that 2021 will be a better year, but we know that we will still experience problems and disappointments.  In fact, as I just finished reading through Scripture again, I recently read the book of Revelation.  As I read this book of prophecy inspired by God, I hear God’s revelation that the forces of evil will always exist in this world. In fact, opposition to God’s people and their faith will increase as the end draws closer.  Christians believe the fight against evil will always be part of our lives in this world.  Therefore, we know that the future will hold trouble, whether in 2021 or in another coming year.

 

We can’t change the fact that we live in a sinful world full of suffering and problems, full of hate and injustice, full of pain and loss.  But, there is something we can change.  We can change our lives and the way we live.  God inspired St. Paul to give a description of the new life we live.  “14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”  (2 Corinthians 5:14-17)

 

In a sinful world we are made new by the love of Jesus who died for us.  Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins and to give us new hearts.  Jesus rose to give eternal life to all who believe in Him.  In the midst of a world of pain and disappointment, Jesus offers hope and joy.  In a world where all face death, Jesus gives eternal life.  We have a sure future.  Our lives in this world are new!  We can all live as the new people God made us to be!  And . . . because Jesus has given us NEW LIFE, we can make a difference in this world.

 

To sum this up, the world around us may not change for the better, but personally, as a new child of God, I can make the world around me better.  Jesus loved me, I can love others.  Jesus forgave me, I can forgive others.  Jesus made me new, and Jesus made my world better with his grace and salvation.  I can make the sinful world around me a better place with the love God gave me.  Or as Paul also wrote in 2 Corinthians, “3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”  (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)  Because Jesus has comforted me, I can comfort others.  As a person made new by Jesus, I can make 2021 better for those in my life.

 

The calendar year 2020 has been a tough one.  Who knows what 2021 will bring.  But, God has made me new in Jesus and I can bring God and his love to those in my life during 2021.

 

A Child of God, Praying that the New Person God Made me Will Bless Others in 2021!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  My wife and I were surprised by a Christmas Movie we watched for free on Amazon Prime.  You may want to watch “The Perfect Gift.” The IMDB description is as follows: “A spoiled schoolgirl, her overworked executive mother, and a disillusioned young minister each receives an uplifting message about friendship, commitment, and the truest meaning of Christmas from a friendly, but mysterious drifter.”  This movie deals with the struggle of God’s church in our world to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.  Here is a link to the movie site.  The Perfect Gift (2009) - IMDb

 

 

P.P.S.  I did go fishing a couple of times this past week.

·       On Sunday, December 27,  I took my son, Josh, and my daughter, Mary, and 5 of my grandchildren fishing.  We only caught 1 fish, but they had a LOT of fun. Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iH1Z1qCaerM82PZY7

 

·       On Monday, December 28, Kym Miller came fishing with me.  We caught 15 fish and kept our limit of 10.  Here are some pictures of this trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Mnmyg2pDMw4BrpS8

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

 

 

 

Praying that God's Christmas Gift of Love in Jesus Overflows in My Life and Spills Over to Bless Others!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

We have been in the pre-Christmas and Christmas season for quite a while.  If you go by the church calendar, there are four Sundays of Advent before Christians celebrate the indescribable joy of God’s gift of His Son, our Savior, with worship on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  And, if you shop, decorations have been up and carols have been playing through the speakers in stores since November 1, right after Halloween.  So my question is, after the presents under the tree are opened, after Christmas worship is completed, is Christmas over?

 

The truth is, the surprising gift of love found in the manger is reason for praise and celebration forever.  Jesus is God Himself who left heaven, who became a man to bring more than a single day of joy for sinners in this world.  The gift from our Lord, begun at Christmas and completed in the empty tomb, gives ETERNAL LIFE.  Into a world of sin and death, God overcomes these enemies of ours with the forgiveness and the life He gives in Jesus.  God’s Christmas gift continues eternally, so the Lord’s grace and love are worth celebrating more than just one day. 

 

I expect you’ve heard the Christmas song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”  Because of the eternal gift which God gives to all the world at Christmas, the Christian church has celebrated Jesus’ birth as a twelve-day season from Christmas Day, December 25, to the celebration of the magi on Epiphany, January 6.  Therefore, I ask you another question, how will you observe Christmas on December 27? How will you celebrate God’s gift of love on December 30? On January 2?  On January 5?

 

I recently received a text message from St. John member, Carol Gustafson, asking for the address of a St. John member whose health has recently declined, and who is now being cared for outside her own home.  Christmas will be difficult for this elderly child of God this year, as it often is for many.  You understand why this is.  In a season when so many other people celebrate with joy, and with gatherings of worship and of family, sometimes the circumstances of life bring grief, bring sadness, even bring depression.  Yes, God’s love in Jesus brings eternal joy, but any of us can forget and have forgotten this joy when life breaks in.  And this year with coronavirus changing our lives, it is even difficult to visit those who are alone.  Personally, I can share that, even with a large family, Kathy and I are not seeing our kids or grandkids as much this year.  I miss them!  If the virus is causing more isolation for those of us with family nearby, what happens to those who do not have close family and friends, and who cannot get out?

 

Yes, life may break in and bring loneliness and sorrow to folks in this world.  But, the joy of Christmas is that the love of God breaks into our troubled lives.  The love of God, found in the Christ child, is God’s solution for the pain caused by the sin and grief and suffering of this world.

 

So, a great way for God’s people to celebrate Christmas is to bring that joy of Jesus to others.  Carol will be sending a card to our elderly member to let her know that she is not forgotten.  She is sending a card to assure this fellow Christian that she is not only loved by God, but she is also loved by Christ’s people.  With that prompting from Carol, the staff of St. John signed and sent cards to 18 of our families who might be more homebound this Christmas than in previous years. 

 

How will you celebrate God’s gift of love, not just on Christmas Day, but for the whole joyful season?  Do you know someone who is alone?  Do you know someone who can’t get out of their home as they might have done in previous years?  Do you know someone who needs to know that others do care for them?  Since the season of Christmas officially lasts 12 days, we can send cards, even after December 25.  I personally receive greetings after Christmas Day every year.  Maybe a card received after Christmas by someone who feels forgotten will make an even bigger impression.  Maybe, if you can’t visit because of the virus, you could still make a phone call.  A caring and friendly voice goes a long way!  Perhaps some folks can be visited, or invited to your home for coffee, or even for a meal.  Or, and you knew I might suggest this, maybe a lonely person would like to do something outside, maybe even go fishing with you.  😊

 

God gives us the greatest gift ever in the birth of Jesus.  The best way to celebrate this Christmas love of our Lord is not so much found in receiving, but in giving.  How can you give to others the love Jesus has shown to you?  Personally, I’m making a list of people to call.  I care about them.  I know this year is especially tough because of the isolation.  Best yet, not only do I care for them, but Jesus loves for them.  Jesus left heaven for us.  Jesus died and rose for us.  Our Lord gives HIMSELF!  He gives us His own Son! 

 

May the gift of God’s sacrificial, overwhelming love, so fill your heart this Christmas that it spills over and blesses others!  Merry Christmas!!

 

A Child of God, Praying that God’s Love in Jesus Spills over From my Life to Bless Others!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Some exciting things are happening around St. John.

·         Here are pictures of the newly re-organized bell choir practicing on Sunday, December 20.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/4WAiVEVVdtmSXJtK8

 

·         Here are some pictures from Confirmation classes on Wednesday, December 16.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/P1Vz1pH1eLA5F2kY7

 

 

P.P.S.  We had a beautiful snow fall and woke up to a newly white yard on December 23, 2 days before Christmas.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HTNQkWaYxceG4e1dA

 

P.P.P.S.  I did go fishing on Monday, December 21 with Rod Christiansen.  The bite started out slowly, but we both ended up catching our limit of 5 rainbow trout each.  Here are pictures of that trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/r2NDxcPMWQmKPEd17

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

 

 

 

Guess What? Jesus Still Came!!!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

The last couple of weeks have been unusual, and somewhat disappointing for our family, because this is the Advent in Christmas season.  When we returned to Alaska from our trip to Florida we had a full slate of plans laid out as part of our Advent and Christmas observance.  I was going to preach at St. John on Sunday, December 6, and I was to conduct a funeral in Soldotna on December 12.  I also planned to teach Saturday confirmation classes.  Kathy planned going back to work at the hospital.  We would see family, buy Christmas gifts, and attend worship, all in preparation for our Christmas celebration.  Last year we returned from Germany on December 10 and still accomplished all our business.  Surely, this year, returning December 4, we could enjoy tackling all these tasks and accomplishing these opportunities.

 

But, perhaps you know that all those plans changed with Kathy’s positive test for coronavirus. Her symptoms have not been too bad, but for a while she daily faced headaches, chills, body aches, and fatigue.  Even though my test results were negative, I could not go out in public until I waited the period we were told by the state public health nurse, and until I was tested again, and received a negative test result.  Kathy and I have eaten in separate rooms, we have slept in separate beds, and we wore masks in our own home around one another.  I didn’t preach on December 6.  I did not conduct the funeral on December 12, though we did find some alternative solutions.  And while I was freed from quarantine later on Saturday, December 12, Kathy is not free until the afternoon of December 16.  We haven’t seen our grandkids, except by computer.  We have not bought Christmas presents.  All our plans changed.  All of this is disappointing.

 

But, I heard something yesterday from my friend, Eva Cohnen-Brown, which struck my heart of faith.  Eva quoted a poem written by a friend of hers during a rough patch of life.  “You know what?  In spite of all the disappointments, Jesus Still Came!”  Yes, the Son of God did leave heaven and came to this world because He loves us.  He came to bring love from the Creator and Lord of All.  Jesus came in humility, bringing grace to a world stuck in selfishness, greed, hatred, sin, and death.  Jesus came because we are sinners who cannot save ourselves.  The disappointments Kathy and I faced are small. But in those disappointments, “Jesus Still Came.”

 

We are now receiving Christmas cards from others in the mail which include many newsy letters of family happenings.  These letters contain much good news, but also disappointments in the lives of friends and family.  One of our friends, a pastor in Kansas, has developed dementia.  His wife writes that she visits him in the Veterans home but, because of COVID, has to talk through a window.  He is already confused and this confuses him more.  What sad news about a good friend!  Another person wrote to us about the divorce of her son whom I baptized, and about the custody struggles he has faced.  Still another good friend we saw in February wrote that he had contracted a pretty serious case of COVID in November.  These disappointments far outstrip the minor inconveniences Kathy and I faced.  But you know what?  “Jesus Still Came!!”

 

When Jesus was born it was a low point in the history of the people of Israel.  The country had been conquered and was occupied by Roman soldiers.  The local reigning king was a cruel despot.  Many of the religious leaders were corrupt and self-serving.  God’s people were, in Jesus’ words, like “sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

 

The truth is, Jesus did not just come to bring God’s righteousness and justice, to bring God’s love and mercy, to bring God’s forgiveness and salvation, in spite of the sin and the problems of the world.  Jesus came because of the sin and death that infect all our lives.  Perhaps Galatians 4 says it best.  “⁴ But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5) The words of Titus 3 give us another picture of God’s Christmas grace in the undeserved gift of Jesus.  “³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  (Titus 3:3-7) Our sins have led to the disappointments, troubles, and death in our lives.  But, because we cannot help ourselves, “Jesus Still Came!”

 

Our world seems to be a mess right now.  People are turning from God, from His wisdom and love.  Our country and the nations of the world are divided and at odds with each other.  The coronavirus has hurt many, especially the poor and marginalized.  I am reading the book of Revelation now in my daily devotions and wonder how much of today’s news stories are fulfillments of the Revelation prophecies.  But, in our messed-up world, where we are our own worst enemies, “Jesus Still Came!!”  Into a world of sin and death Jesus brings grace and salvation, joy and hope.  He gives us forgiveness and love because we need it.  He gives us forgiveness and love so that we can share that grace of God with others, and so we can make a Christmas difference in our troubled world, and in the lives of those around us.

 

I pray for each of you that you know the Christmas truth that Jesus, the Son of God, did indeed come that first Christmas.  I pray this Christmas truth gives you hope and joy and peace this year, in spite of any disappointments you face.  I pray the Christmas gift of Jesus’ forgiveness and love help you to share that grace and love with others.  Because in the midst of all our own failures and all our disappointments, “Jesus Still Came!”  And that is real reason to say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

 

A Child of God, Thankful that in our Troubled and Messed-Up Lives, Jesus Still Came,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Kathy is doing significantly better as she recovers from the coronavirus.  She has not had a fever in days, and her symptoms are getting much better. According to the public health nurse she is free from quarantine today, Wednesday, December 16, at 4:00 p.m.  (How do they choose a time?)

 

P.P.S.  One of the things we can do even during quarantine is chores around the house.  I put up outside Christmas lights, and we cut and decorated our tree. Here are a couple of pictures of our tree. https://photos.app.goo.gl/tL22tJALK5uJq42J7

 

P.P.P.S.  I did go ice fishing on Friday and Saturday.  (I was going fishing Monday, but decided not to fish in the wind.)  Here are pictures from my Saturday trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CadQzFt9GmVSKozq5

 

 

 

 

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

 

                                                                        *******

 

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

 

Praying for God's Gift of Patience in Our Right Now World

 Dear Fellow Children of God,

Have you heard the old somewhat sacreligious prayer about patience?  “Lord, give me patience, and . . . I want it NOW!”  You and I both understand the contradiction in that prayer.  Hopefully we would never speak to God in such a demanding tone.  Nevertheless, God does indeed call for patience from His children.  To be patient is to wait.  Psalm 130 teaches us about godly patience. “5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; 6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”  (Ps. 130:5-6)  Patience means waiting on God to act.  But, in our world today microwaves cook food quickly, the internet gives information instantly (even if the information is not always accurate), and cell phones let us communicate with others around the world right now - if only they will respond or answer.  In this “right now world” patience is rare, and growing more difficult to find.

Maybe that is also why love seems to be growing cold.  You see, when God inspired St. Paul to write to a Corinthian church that was having issues, Paul wrote, “Love is patient. . .” (1 Corinthians 13:4a) There are various Greek words which can be translated into the English word "patient."  That is why the King James Version of the English Bible translated this phrase as, “Charity suffereth long.”  How many people pray so that they might suffer . . . for a long time?  No wonder patience and love seem to be in short supply in today’s world.

I say this because I am now being called to patience as part of our Lord’s call in my life to “. . . love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Mark 12:31)  Actually, patience is always God’s call for His children.  Only sometimes our Lord’s call is easier to see.  

So, are you impatient concerning the coronavirus in our world and in our lives, and also impatient about the requirements for social distancing?  I know I am.  I long for unencumbered big family gatherings.  In Alaska, our family has gathered with masks, in shifts.  I would like these cautions to end . . . end “now” as the prayer above says.  I long for days that, when I attend worship, everyone feels safe to attend.  I miss seeing many of my friends and fellow Christians.  I long for the willingness and the opportunity to hug family and friends.  I get tired of wearing a mask which then clouds up my glasses.  I am impatient, and seemingly becoming more so.  Granted, these personal inconveniences are minor.  But the longer they last the bigger they seem.

However, I have recently been caught short and taught about my impatience.  Because of the growing spread of this virus, our elected leaders have increased the protocol requirements surrounding travel.  So, I took a COVID test in Florida before I returned to Alaska, and I then received another coronavirus test at the Anchorage airport.  I was hoping upon return to Alaska to be able to spend some family time, to help at St. John, and to conduct a funeral on Saturday, December 12.  But, while my test results were negative, unfortunately my wife, Kathy, tested positive for the virus.  We got her results on Saturday, December 5, and she has experienced some symptoms beginning on Sunday, December 6.  Now, because I have been exposed I am also observing quarantine with Kathy, and trying to take care of her.

My first reaction after concern for Kathy, was, to be honest, some frustration at the limitations I now face.  But, what are my frustrations compared to Kathy’s illness, compared to those who have been gravely ill, compared to those who have died from the virus? The death rate from coronavirus is much in excess of what influenza would bring?

And then I thought of the people we had been with in the previous 7 days.  We spent time with family at Thanksgiving, at separate tables, wearing masks when not eating.  But, we were with my sister-in-law who has a brain tumor that is in remission.  We ate at the same table with my brother David, who has fought multiple health issues, including a heart by-pass and valve replacement 2 years ago.  We spent time outside, socially distant, with masks, visiting with a pastor who is a mentor and very good friend, and with his wife.  But she has Parkinson’s disease.  Our next door neighbor in Florida fights COPD.  And, when I arrived home, after receiving my negative result, before Kathy received her positive test, I went by the church office to pick up confirmation books so I can teach online. From a distance, wearing a mask, I waved at our secretary, who is being treated for cancer.  

Kathy and I wore masks and kept distance, intentionally so.  But, in addition to those mentioned above we also spent time with many others who might not have underlying health conditions.  What if, in my impatience, I had passed the virus along to these beloved family and friends who already have other health issues.  What if, because I was impatient, I passed the illness on to someone who is healthy now, but who was then severely affected by the illness.  I would find it difficult to forgive myself.  In fact, being willing to wait, to wait for the Lord, is really being loving to others.  “Love IS patient!”

The night he was betrayed, about 12 hours before hanging on the cross, Jesus taught His disciples about love.  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)  Jesus showed his love by His willingness to suffer and to die, to forgive even for those who would ultimately reject Him.  Jesus’ call to me and to all His children is to love like He loved.  We are even called to suffer and sacrifice to love others, like we have been loved through Jesus.  Even though we can’t and don’t ever keep this commandment perfectly, Jesus still loves, forgives, and saves us. Even though we can’t and don’t ever keep this commandment perfectly, we still have Jesus’ call for our lives to "love one another."

There are so many unknowns with this disease.  But, when I think about others, and seek to “Love my neighbor as myself,” I will pray for patience so that I may show others the love which Jesus has shown me.

A Child of God, Needing God’s Gift of Patience in our Right Now World,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  There are no pictures this week, since we are in quarantine.  However, 

• I did go ice fishing by myself, with my dog, Mat.  I caught 4 small fish and threw them back - so no pictures.  Mat got to roll in the snow and run around the lake.

• I have done many home chores, again.  

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

Just What We Need - Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega

Dear Fellow Children of God,

December has arrived.  Decorations are displayed everywhere.  Most people think of the Christmas season and the church season of Advent as a time of anticipation, a time of expectation and joy.  But, for those who have experienced deep loss at this time of year, the memories of tragedy and loss do not bring joy, but often grief and sorrow.  What perhaps makes this sorrow more difficult is that, when everyone else seems joyful and excited, but we are experiencing memories of grief and sadness, our loss and sadness can feel worse by comparison.  In fact, when everyone else might experience Advent and Christmas as the “happiest time of the year,” those who have experienced tragedy and loss can fall into deep depression.

I was shocked and saddened to read this week about the murder of 4 individuals in the 

Mat-Su community.  But other experiences have also seemed to pull me toward sadness.  While in Florida I found out that the brain cancer of a pastor friend has steadily grown worse.  I’m told he recently had his third surgery in the last 6 months.  I learned that the mother of one of the members of St. John passed away after being ill for a long time.  But, perhaps closest to home, one of the young men who is part of the St. John family died this past week at a very young age.  These realities of loss and tragedy can bring the joy of the season into question.

However, I’m convinced that our Lord still speaks to us today.  For me God speaks most often through His Word.  I am often surprised by how timely my daily devotions are in relation to what is happening in my life at that time.  So, on Wednesday, December 2, my daily devotions included reading Revelation 1.  In this time of losses and tragedies, this Word from our Lord spoke to me.

Chapter 1 of Revelation tells us that the Apostle John was to share these words of Jesus with seven churches in what is now in the country of Turkey.  These congregations needed assurance and help because they were all facing persecution of some kind.  It is natural in times of trouble to ask, “Where is God?”  The Christians in Asia Minor were wondering, “If Jesus has died and then risen from the dead, if Jesus really is victorious, why are we facing these trials and tribulations?”  

In this very first chapter of the final book of Scriptures Jesus begins His answer to these questions about the why of our suffering and losses by simply sharing who He is.  “ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’”  (Revelation 1:8)  In other words, Jesus is the beginning and the end.  He has always been the Almighty, the All Powerful Lord of all.  Jesus was there when the foundations of the earth were laid.  But, this all powerful ruler of all is still with us, and He is coming again!  Jesus gives this assurance to the persecuted church at the end of John’s life,   Jesus assures us in our times of grief and loss that He is with us and, He always will be with us.

For those whose loss includes the illness or death of a loved one, and we all do experience these losses at some time in our lives, Jesus gives even more assurance, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”  (Revelation 1:17b-18)  Jesus assures us that He died, but He then rose again and is alive.  Jesus comforts us with the fact that He is the one who holds the keys to, the one who rules over death and judgement.  In other words, Jesus who died to pay for the sin of the whole world, to pay for our sins, has overcome these sins.  He is stronger than death!  We may experience losses and tragedy, illness and death, but our Lord and Savior even rules over these enemies of ours.

Even in the joyful seasons of Advent and Christmas tragedy and loss can hit us and cause grief and suffering, questions and doubts.  But, Jesus’ message to us in this world of sin and death, this world of loss and grief is that, even if we don’t understand, He is still the Almighty Lord ruling all things for His people.  “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Actually, that is what Advent and Christmas is about.  Jesus has come.  Jesus is present in our lives right now.  Jesus is coming again!  That really is reason for peace and joy, even in this world of sin and pain and death. 

A Child of God, Thankful That Just When We Need it, Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  This past week was a busy one.

• The Florida Rockey family gathered for a “socially distant” (really) Thanksgiving celebration.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/X1bB9D3KDcqzaSby8

• I also went fish quite a few times.

• On Thanksgiving morning I went fishing with my brother Stephen on Lake Panasoffkee.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VAAtrVYQWzkcUv8w9

• On Friday, November 27, I took my nephews Jonathan and Jayden Pruim fishing on the Suwannee River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6xV8FNuoHojBhzyA7

• On Saturday, a November 28, I took nephews Matthew Leon and Nathan Mehrlich fishing on the Suwannee River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QmcdgmCzKJuMuozM9

• On Tuesday, December 1, my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves and I went fishing on Alto Lake.  (It was cold and we only caught one fish.  I took no pictures.)

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.

This Thanksgiving Day I am Thankful for the Gift of FAITH!

 Dear Fellow Children of God,

This week November 26 is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day.  So, have you ever participated in sharing around the Thanksgiving table the reasons you have for thanks?  What are you thankful for?  When we observe that tradition in my house, most people say they are thankful for “Family.”  Thankfulness is not necessarily easy.  In Psalm 92 God calls us to thankful hearts, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;”  But, in Psalm 103, while being called to thanks and praise, we are also warned against lack of thanks.  We are warned against ungratefulness., “Bless the Lord, O my soul, all that is within me praise His holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and FORGET NOT all His benefits.”  Our Lord warns us not to forget the goodness He gives daily, and lavishly.  Yet, how often do we forget?

In many Christian churches the assigned Gospel reading for Thanksgiving Day services is the account from Luke 17:11-19, the story of the 10 lepers.  If you remember that story 10 men had contracted this horrible disease which causes people to lose limbs.  Leprosy was painful and progressive.  Leprosy inevitably led to death.  And, unfortunately this disease was highly contagious.  Maybe in our country today this story of contagious illness, which is highly contagious, which leads to quarantine and social distancing, would strike a note of interest.

You probably also know that in this account from Jesus’ life He cures 10 men with this horrible illness. One man was thankful to Jesus. But 9 did not give thanks.  One man returned to our Lord with SHOUTS of praise, with actions of humility.  So, if in the Luke account nine men forgot to give thanks, and only one man returned with thanks and praise on his lips, how can we be truly thankful in our hearts and lives? Two statements of Jesus in our lesson are very helpful in our pursuit of thankful hearts.

First, after the healing, Jesus asks the question, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”  (Luke 17:17-18) The man who thankfully returned was a Samaritan, part of a group of people who had rejected worship in the Jerusalem temple and, at times, had worshiped false gods.  The Jewish people of Jesus’ day  looked down on the Samaritans, and they knew it.  While this ‘foreigner,’ as Jesus calls him, had heard about Jesus, Jews did not think Samaritans worthy of God’s grace. Neither, obviously did this man.  He knew his shortcomings.  So this healing from Jesus was not deserved, but just the opposite.  This man’s healing was totally grace. 

We do not have the amazing blessings we have, our country, our churches, our family, our possessions, because we are so wise.  It is not because of better government, better theology, better morals, that we are so blessed.  We are all sinners whose selfishness, whose greed, pettiness, lying, lust, arrogance, lack of love deserve God’s punishment now and eternally.  But God sent His SON!  He sent Jesus, who healed this man, in order to save us.  Because the Samaritan knew his healing was undeserved he was thankful.  If you truly want to be thankful, remember the reality of your sin against God and others.  Realize that God sent His only Son to suffer, to die, to rise to save you.  Understand all you have is totally an undeserved gift.  This contrition and humility will help you to have thanks for all your blessings.

The other statement Jesus made which can help us with our thankfulness is found in Luke 17, verse 19.  “And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Jesus identifies something other than the man’s healing as a reason for thanks: “Your faith has made you well.”  It is by faith, through trust in Jesus as the Lord who teaches, who heals, who saves, that this man was healed.  But faith gave this Samaritan man even more than healing.  The Greek word translated here as “made you well” is the same word which also translates as “saved.”  This man was not just healed by faith.  He was also saved by faith. 

On your list this year, are you thankful for your faith?  Faith, you know, is a gift, according to Ephesians 2:8.  Faith comes through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Faith helps us to know our sin, and to receive our Savior.  And, with Jesus in our lives, with the promise of eternal life, with the assurance of His loving presence, we can face anything.  We can, as Paul writes, “Give thanks in ALL circumstances.”  Or as Paul also writes in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”  When we have God’s gift of undeserved love in Jesus, through faith, we can receive all of life with thankfulness. 

The formerly leprous man had reason to give thanks that God had worked faith and trust in his heart.  How about you?  Are you thankful for your faith which receives Jesus, and all the undeserved blessings God gives us?

Have you ever read the first Thanksgiving Proclamation by George Washington in 1789?  This instructive Presidential Declaration reveals faith in God, faith which receives national blessings.  It reads, in part,  

“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor . . . Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks—for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country.” 

As Christians, people who know our sin and guilt, who know the love of God the Father who sacrificed His own Son to forgive us and save us, we have even more reason for thanks.  We have eternal reasons which also bring God’s love to the mess of this life.  We receive God and His love through His gift of faith.  This Thanksgiving, are you thankful for . . . your faith?

A Child of God, Thankful for the GIFT of FAITH!

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  This past week I went fishing on Friday, November 20, in a local lake, and on Saturday, November 21, in the Suwannee River.  I caught two bass and had many other bites on both trips, but didn’t keep any of the fish.  We already have a freezer full.  I did, however, appreciate the company of old friend, Rick Armstrong on Friday, and appreciate the special beauty of God’s Creation on a warm November evening on Saturday.  Here is a picture of the sunset on November 21.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ySe8tktQC7YP8HKQ6

*****

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I am now retired from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  My weekly devotion was previously titled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  However, with life's changes I now call the devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message, have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  I will include them on my distribution list. You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

        HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE ASKED ME WHY THEY ARE NO LONGER RECEIVING MY DEVOTIONS.  Since I’m only sending these e-mails to people who ask for them, many are no longer receiving these messages.  BUT, if you read this on Facebook and would like to receive these devotions by e-mail, or if you know someone who would like to receive these devotions, send me an e-mail at jonrock53@mtaonline.net, and I will add you to my distribution list.