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.

A Foolish Man Living in the Hope of New Life in Jesus

Dear Fellow Children of God,

How often have you asked yourself, "Why can't I learn my lesson?  Why do I keep repeating my mistakes?"

I am currently writing my devotion, and other documents, on my wife's computer because, personally, I don't seem to have learned my lesson.  On Saturday, November 8, I was sitting in my recliner with my computer in my lap.  I had a glass of water in my left hand, resting the drink on the arm of the chair.  I was going over my sermon for the next day, which I would preach in Chiefland, FL.  But, Kathy and I had been traveling.  We didn't sleep at all when we flew on Wednesday night, other than the short naps one catches in the seat of a plane.  Sitting in that comfortable position, still somewhat sleep deprived, holding my glass of water, I nodded off. (My kids like to take and share pictures of their dad asleep in a chair with his computer in his lap.)  All of a sudden I awoke with ice and water in my lap, and ice and water all over my computer!  I dried the computer, turned it upside down and turned it off.  But then I could not get my computer to start again, and I'm still waiting to get it back from Hewlett Packard, where I have an extended warrantee.

But, unfortunately, this is not the first time I've made this mistake.  While flying in January i put my backpack, with my computer inside, inside the overhead bin.  I didn't remember that my backpack had a water bottle on the outside.  Neither did I realize the lid of the water bottle was not on tight.  That mistake 10 months ago also required repair.   

Unfortunately,  I remember at least one more mistake of the liquid kind.  A number of years ago I was sitting at our dining room table doing some work.  I had a glass of tomato juice to the right of my computer.  As i reached out, I knocked tomato juice all over the keyboard.  i could never get the left side of that keyboard to work again.  Computers and liquids do not mix well!

These incidents were all mistakes.  But, as I look back there is some caution I could have taken which I didn't.  So I ask myself, "Why can't I Iearn my lesson?  Why do I keep repeating my mistakes?"  You see there are consequences that follow each time I cause such mistakes.

The truth is that my mistakes with my computer are not the only area where I, nor others, struggle with repeated behavior we regret.  God inspired Paul in Romans to share his frustration with his own repeated failures.  "19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. . . 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"  (Romans 7:19, 24)  We all struggle with the selfish, unhealthy, sinful nature inside each of us.  Regrettably, we seem to repeat the same foolish behaviors, and then we suffer the consequences for our behavior.

It is with my computer frustration in mind that I read 1 Peter 1 in my devotions this week.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," (1 Peter 1:3)  Simply stated, when we struggle with our weaknesses and failures we have a new start in Jesus.  Or as Peter writes, we are "born again to a living hope."  In spite of our repeated failure and sin, sin which brings death, we have God's promise of new life "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  That promise is not only for eternal life in heaven.  Our life in this world is new because Jesus forgives our sin, and because He makes us new.  

Would you like this new start in your life?  Later in this same chapter Peter expands on this promise from God.  ". . . you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for 'All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.'” (1 Peter 1:23-25a) The Word of God points us to God's saving love in Jesus and gives us new life.  God assures us of His love in spite of our rebellion.  We have a new start every day.

Or, perhaps it helps to think of God's promise in this way.  We are all naturally faulty and foolish.  It's like a disease.  The faith and hope which gives new life is given to us in the Word of God.  God's Word is like the medicine which delivers His cure for our sinful foolishness.  Therefore, since this is God's assertion, are you taking your medicine?  Are you listening to, are you reading, are you meditating upon, memorizing, and trusting in the truth of God's Word which promises God's eternal, life changing, forgiveness and love in Jesus?  If a doctor gave me medicine to cure an illness, I would take that medicine.  God's Word delivers the living hope of new life through Jesus to us who are sinful.  Are you  taking your medicine?

Back to my computer (s).  I have resolved to take new steps of precaution in order to prevent such accidents in the future.  Maybe I'll use covered cups and drink glasses.  Perhaps I can back up my data more frequently.  But, you know I actually thought I was being careful in some of these other instances where I had my accidents.  However, even with these precautions, it would not surprise me to face to consequences of such foolishness again.   I am thankful that in spite of my life failures, God's love is sure.  I will personally continue to take the medicine of the living hope we have in Jesus by spending time in His Word.   Where do you need "to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead?"

A Child of God, A Foolish Man Living in the Hope of New Life in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  As stated above, I'm having self-inflicted computer issues again.  I guess I shouldn't nod off with my computer in my lap and a glass of water in my hand.  :-)   So, I am sending this e-mail using my wife's computer.  You'll find this devotion on Facebook.  I still hope my data is saved when my computer returns to me.

P.P.S.  I did have a couple of fishing trips since the last devotion. 

 

⦁        On Thursday, November 12, I went bass fishing on a local lake.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/reLHcRg85kJv3ukb8

 

 

⦁        On Saturday, November 17, my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves, joined me in a fishing trip on the Suwannee River.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XgoarT2tRvvWCWmCA

 

 

P.P.S.  While on vacation Kathy and I have had some adventures.

⦁        Here are some of the "local creatures" who have greeted us.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qHmEQZMmn7qCbNjw6

 

 

⦁        When we woke on Tuesday morning the temperature was in the 40's.  This little lizard had stuck his head into the kitchen, we think for some warmth. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hk5Mm5NUHQZhCpD89

 

 

⦁        On Tuesday morning we also visited the St. Augustine beach with our nephew Michael Tobin, and his wife, Hannah. https://photos.app.goo.gl/VPC6bTNNerMJHXax7

 

*****

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.

 

Standing on THE ROCK - Our Lord - Through the Storms of Life

Dear Fellow Children of God,

The national elections seem to be concluded.   But, (wink, wink) to my surprise the coronavirus is still with us.  And, even though the campaigns are concluded, our nation still faces partisan bickering and fighting.  I had heard (I really did hear this in some places, but did not believe the assertion) that, when the results of the election came in, all these problems would be over.  Who would have imagined?  We still face the natural disaster caused by this pandemic.  Who would have imagined?  We still live in times of political turmoil!

I read an excellent devotion from Dr. Jerry Kieschnick about a month ago which meditated on the problems we face in America because we have been spoiled by political stability, by religious freedom, and by economic affluence.  Dr. Kieschnich quoted a young lady writer in the Twin Cities area who pointed out that our poverty line in America is far above the standard of living in most of the rest of the world.  Yet politicians have decried the fact that our present generation will never see a time of prosperity again.  We have come to expect the uncommon blessings we have, rather than being thankful for such grace.  It is hard to have a heart of thankfulness when having a lot is still not having enough.

To look at it from another perspective, the Christian Church in America has been blessed by freedom of worship which our Constitution enshrines.  Yet, such freedom has not always been the experience of God's people throughout history.  Even today, a large number of Christians worldwide face persecution for following Jesus.  Nevertheless, instead of being thankful for our religious freedom and political stability of the past decades, God's people can seem like children whining when we face trials, trials which have been the norm through much of history, but trials we ourselves have not had to face in recent history.

Political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemic may cause tribulations today.  But, we are not spilling our blood in persecution.   The Christian Church may face opposition and questioning.  But we still do have freedom to speak our faith in Jesus.  God's people have great reason to be filled with thanks and to be active in witnessing to the grace and saving love of God in Jesus.

On October 25 I attended the installation of Pastor Andrew Carlson as Senior Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairbanks, AK.  We sang a song which I cherish, "Built on the Rock", written by Nicolai Gruntvig.  

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand, Even when steeples are falling;

Crumbled have spires in every land, Bells still are chiming and calling

Calling the young and old to rest, Calling the souls of those distressed,

Longing for life everlasting.

The church may live in difficult times.  But, when "spires crumble," God still calls His children to rest given in His gracious forgiveness and salvation.  Tribulation is the norm for Christ's Church throughout history, not the exception .  We should not be surprised when trials come.  But, we have this assurance. that life and faith are built on the firm foundation of THE Rock, our Lord.  God speaks through David in Psalm 18 to assure us, "2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,  my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. 3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:2-3)  God and His love are The Rock on which we build our lives in a changing and shifting world.

Jesus also teaches that lesson in The Sermon on the Mount, calling His followers to build their lives on the truth and the rock of God's Word.  24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."  (Matthew 7:24-25)

I also recently attended the ordination of Pastor Albino Y Kong at Anchorage Lutheran Church on November 2.  Pastor Kong was born in The Sudan, and spent many years in the refugee camps of East Africa.  He will be serving the Sudanese population in Anchorage.  At Pastor Kong's ordination we sang another favorite hymn of mine, also appropriate for this time of turmoil, The Church's One Foundation.

Verse 1 The church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord;

        She is his new creation By water and the Word.

        From heaven he came and sought her To be his holy bride; 

                        With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

Verse 4 ‘Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,

         She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore;

         Till, with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blest,

        And the great church victorious Shall be the church at rest.

In this time of "toil and tribulation", as the hymn writer puts it, Jesus is the foundation on which we build.  God's love, our Lord's forgiveness and grace, our Savior's Salvation, are eternal and sure.  When the world shifts, God reminds us that He and His grace are the rock and the foundation on which we build our lives and work in His church.  As God inspired Paul to write in 1 Corinthians 3, "10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."   ( 1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

My wife and I face another "storm" as I write this devotion.  As we relax in Gainesville, FL, Tropical Storm / Hurricane Eta is forecast to pass right over us Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m.  (And I was hoping to go fishing on Thursday.  Darn!)  For the storms of life, however they may rear their ugly heads, we have The Firm Foundation.  God's Word is Sure.  God's Love in Jesus is everlasting.  We can face whatever trials life may bring and stand on The Rock of our Lord and His love.  God's people even see the blessings from our Lord in those trials.

A Child of God, Standing on The Rock - Our Lord - Through the Storms of Life

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I'm having computer issues again.  I guess I shouldn't nod off with my computer in my lap and a glass of water in my hand.  :-)   So, I am sending this e-mail using my wife's computer.  You'll find this devotion on Facebook.  I do hope my data is saved when my computer returns.

*****

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.

P.P.S.  Here is the full text of Psalm 18:1-6

Psalm 18 - 18 I love you, O Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

    my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death encompassed me;

    the torrents of destruction assailed me;[a]

5 the cords of Sheol entangled me;

    the snares of death confronted me.

6 In my distress I called upon the Lord;

    to my God I cried for help.

From his temple he heard my voice,

    and my cry to him reached his ears.

P.P.P.S.  Here are all the word of the hymn, "Built on the Rock."

Verse 1

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand, Even when steeples are falling;

Crumbled have spires in every land, Bells still are chiming and calling

Calling the young and old to rest, Calling the souls of those distressed,

Longing for life everlasting.

Verse 2 Not in our temples made with hands God, the Almighty, is dwelling;

High in the heav’ns His temple stands, All earthly temples excelling.

Yet He who dwells in heav’n above Deigns to abide with us in love,

Making our bodies His temple.

Verse 3 We are God’s house of living stones, Built for His own habitation;

He fills our hearts, His humble thrones, Granting us life and salvation.

Were two or three to seek His face, He in their midst would show His grace,

Blessings upon them bestowing.

Verse 4 Yet in this house, an earthly frame, Jesus His children is blessing;

Hither we come to praise His name, Faith in our Savior confessing.

Jesus to us His Spirit sent, Making with us His covenant,

Granting His children the kingdom.

Verse 5 Thro‘ all the passing years, O Lord, Grant that, when church bells are ringing,

Many may come to hear God’s Word Where He this promise is bringing:

I know My own, My own know Me: You, not the world, My face shall see;

My peace I leave with you. Amen.

P.P.P.S.  Here are all the words for the Hymn, "The Church's One Foundation.

verse 1 The church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ her Lord;

She is his new creation By water and the Word.

From heaven he came and sought her To be his holy bride;

With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

Verse 2 Elect from every nation, Yet one o’er all the earth;

Her charter of salvation, One Lord, one faith, one birth;

One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,

And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued.

Verse 3 Though with a scornful wonder Men see her sore oppressed,

Though foes would rend asunder, The Rock where she doth rest,

Yet saints their faith are keeping; Their cry goes up, “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.

Verse 4 ‘Mid toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,

She waits the consummation Of peace forevermore;

Till, with the vision glorious, Her longing eyes are blest,

And the great church victorious Shall be the church at rest.

Verse 5 Yet she on earth hath union   With God the Three in One,

And mystic sweet communion  With those whose rest is won:

O happy ones and holy!   Lord, give us grace that we,

Like them, the meek and lowly, In love may dwell with Thee.

Thankful that Jesus is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Election Day 2020 has come and gone . . . maybe.  We have been through the most contentious presidential campaign I can remember in my 67 years.  Candidates campaigning for the US Senate and the House of Representatives also spent hundreds of millions of dollars.  Therefore, people have been waiting for a conclusion to this election cycle and waiting for an end to the accusations and recriminations of this year’s campaigns.  I am thankful, however, that even though people have different views on the issues before our nation I hear people on both sides of the political spectrum as ready to begin building life together as a country.  That is my prayer.

 

However, even though Election Day itself is over, and even though this election seems especially important, many political experts have predicted that the results of this election may be slow in coming.  Vote tallies are often known the night of the contest.  But there are predictions that it may take days, or weeks, or even months to learn the final results of this year’s election.  In fact, the final decision of the presidential race is still up in the air as I write.  And, no matter who does win, when the results of the election are known, many people will be highly disappointed because their candidate will have lost. 

 

If all our hopes revolve around our politicians and leaders there is good reason for that disappointment.  Politicians and leaders seem important.  Nevertheless, every leader is a sinful human being.  They all have weaknesses as well as strengths.  There have been good and bad leaders in throughout history.  Many times even the seemingly good leaders fail to accomplish what they promise.

 

When it comes to our leaders, however, Christians have another hope, a better hope, and a sure hope.  God inspired the Psalmist to write in Psalm 118:8-9  “8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.  9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”  And, we read in Psalm 146:3-5, “3 Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. 4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. 5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God”  While every leader is flawed in some way, while every leader is mortal and will die, we can trust in the Lord.  Our Heavenly Father is all-powerful.  He is wise beyond any wisdom of our leaders.  The Lord is righteous and bring real justice.  Our Lord is loving and merciful as well.  And, this all-wise, righteous, and merciful Creator of all is also King and Ruler of all.  So, instead of trusting human leaders, God’s people trust THE LORD!  No matter who is elected in this year’s elections, our Heavenly Father still rules over all.

 

In fact, in the book of Revelation we read about an interesting title for Jesus.  Revelation 19:16 tells us of Christ, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”  Other leaders may rule us.  Other leaders may fail us.  Jesus, the Son of God is over all the kings, over all presidents, and ruler of all the rulers of the world. 

 

This King of Kings and Lord of Lords is different from the rulers of this world.  He does not just order His people around.  Jesus is the servant king who laid down His life for the whole world.  Jesus is the ruler, the leader, the king who actually loves and cares for His people, and then leads them in paths of righteousness.

 

Who knows when we will find out the final results of this year’s election.  News reports are talking of legal challenges that may go on and on.  But Christians know who is really in charge.  God’s children know that our King is ruler of this world’s kings and presidents.  We can find peace and strength that our Lord loves us, and died for us, and rose again to deliver on His promise to save us.  With Jesus as my Lord, I can live under whoever is president in this country.

 

A Child of God, Thankful that Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

P.S.  The last few weeks have seen many celebrations among Alaskan Lutheran Churches.  Last week you saw pictures of the Installation of Pastor Andrew Carlson in Fairbanks on October 25.  Since last week’s devotion Faith Lutheran in Homer has celebrated their 50^th anniversary.  Also, Albino Y Kong has been ordained as a Lutheran pastor, and installed as Missionary at Large to the Sudanese population in Anchorage.  Here is a picture of the large Sudanese choir singing at Albino’s ordination.  (The singing of the choir was wonderfully lively!  President Linnemann commented, “I didn’t know you could dance to ‘A Mighty Fortress.’”)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/eiztsuNPaedE6bM28

 

P.P.S.  Fishing?  I had hoped to Fish in Homer on October 30.  However, when we awoke at 6:00 a.m. that morning, the wind was blowing 20 mph.  The marine forecast was for continued and possibly increasing winds.  We did not fish on Friday.

 

 

*****

 

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 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

907-841-4066 – cell

907-746-5131 – home

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net