Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Viewing WORK as a Privilege and Opportunity to Serve My Lord and Love Others!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What do you think, how do you feel, when someone tells you to “Get to work!?”  I expect most have a negative reaction at being told “to work”.  “Who are YOU to tell ME what to do?”  “Are you telling me I’m lazy?” 

 

However, in my daily devotions for August 28, in 1 Chronicles 22, I read King David’s instructions to his son, Solomon, concerning the construction of a temple for the Lord.  First, David has a conversation with his son relating God’s instructions to David concerning the temple, and concerning Solomon.  Second, David encourages Solomon, reminding him of the Lord’s presence and help.  11 Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. 12 Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God.  13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.” (1 Chronicles 22:11-13)  David’s encouragement to Solomon remind me of God’s assurance to Joshua he led the people of Israel into The Promised Land. (Joshua 1:9)

 

But, after these words of promise and assurance, David gets down to business.  He tells Solomon how he has provided many of the materials and workers Solomon will need to accomplish the building of a temple for the Lord.  Finally, David minces no words.  “ . . .Arise and work! The LORD be with you!" (1 Chronicles 22:16, see all of vv. 15-16)  Don’t just sit there! ARISE!!  Don’t just think! WORK!! 

 

So, what are your feelings about work?  I know that many hate the idea of labor to earn wages in order to be able to live.  They do not like work.  However, for the child of God, work can be a gift and a blessing from the Lord!  Work gives identity.  Work fulfills a purpose.  Work provides dignity. 

 

David wanted Solomon to see that the Lord had been gracious to him, and to all of Israel.  The building of the temple was a response and was worship of the God of Israel.  18 Is not the LORD your God with you? And has he not given you peace on every side? For he has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the LORD and his people. 19 Now set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. Arise and build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the LORD."  (1 Chronicles 22:18-19)  When Solomon built the temple, with skill and faith and precision, he was living as one blessed by God, and as one whose life was to serve and to worship the Lord.

 

We studied “spiritual worship, or service”, we also discussed vocation in the Adult Bible Class on Romans 12 at St. John Lutheran on Sunday, August 25.  Martin Luther taught that whatever we do with faith in God and with love for others is a calling, a vocation.  Any legal work or job which uses our God-given talents to serve God and others is “spiritual worship, or service.”  (Romans 12:1)  Luther taught that when a mother trusts the Lord and, in love, changes the dirty diaper of her baby, that is a calling of God.  The mother is living her calling and purpose. She has dignity because of her faithful, loving, service.  Of course, the New Testament has much to say about our work.  23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) (See also 1 Corinthians 15:58)

 

So, if work gives identity and purpose and dignity, if work is the service of a child of God for the Lord Himself, what is the best work we can do?  Jesus was asked that question after feeding the 5000 in John 6.  The people asked Jesus, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" (John 6:28) He responded, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."  (John 6: 29)  You see, Solomon’s response to God’s blessings for the nation of Israel was to “Arise and work,” and to build a temple for the Lord.  Today, we look at history and see all the evil and the failures of human beings.  We see all the failures of God’s own children. Yet the Father sent His Son.  In spite of our failure and sin, Jesus gave His life to forgive us.  He rose to save us.  That is why Jesus teaches us, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."  Jesus is our Savior!  And any work done believing in Jesus, is WORSHIP!

 

How do you feel about work?  Maybe someone has told you, or even ordered you, “Get up and get to work!”  Possibly, they did not have in mind the idea of you using your efforts to serve the Lord and to love others when they said that.  Or . . . maybe they did, and you just weren’t listening.

 

I am thankful that whether I am preaching God’s Word, or mowing the grass at my house, I can use the blessings and the gifts of God. I can serve Him and love others.  As a child of God, in Jesus, I really do see work as a blessing!  Go figure!


A Child of God, Viewing WORK as a Privilege and Opportunity to Serve My Lord and Love Others!

Pastor Rockey

 

 

P.S.  I am in Alaska for 6 weeks.   But I can still share some news of happenings at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, where I am still vacancy pastor.

 

P.P.S.  NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

 

FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS.  We are receiving nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville.

            PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FIRST LUTHERAN CALL PROCESS IN YOUR PRAYERS.

 

WHILE I AM IN ALASKA

·       Pastor Stephen Lane has led worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 4 and 11. He will also be leading worship on September 1 and 8.

 

·       Pastor Doug Bock led worship and Bible Class on Sundays, August 18 and 25.

THANKYOU PASTORS LANE AND BOCK!!

 

THE WELCOME BACK BARBEQUE WAS AUGUST 25.  I have a report that 45 people signed up, and 105 people attended the barbeque.  😊 WELCOME BACK to our school year schedule, to classes at the University, and to worship and service of our Lord at First Lutheran!

 

WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.  Pastors Lane and Bock have been teaching.

 

WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible.  We have finished reading the book of 2 Kings, and have started the book of 1 Chronicles.  Today’s devotion from 1 Chronicles 22 is based on the reading for Wednesday, August 28.

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

 

FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A ROOF FUND, and an AIR CONDITIONER FUND. The roofs are still in relatively good shape.  But we have had leaks, and it has been about 20 years since the roof was last replaced.  First Lutheran leaders want to act before the roofs fail.  In addition, our Air Conditioners are old and need replacing.   The combined amount for repairs will total a significant sum.

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future.

 

P.P.S.  PICTURES – AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

·       This past week we picked raspberries again from our bushes / vines.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/sEXTNqJjXrpF6uSKA

 

·       I went Rock Fish fishing on Wednesday, August 21, out of Seward AK with friends from St. John and Palmer.  JD Jeffers rented a boat because his wife, Dena, had not been fishing all their time in AK. (In Georgia yes.  In AK, no!)  Dave Witte has experience in Seward.  Eric Wyatt has experience fishing for rock fish.  I had equipment and poles at my cabin.  So we went fishing.  We saw eagles, puffins, whales, and caught a bunch of fish!  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/u6ioE8h6K9Lj8FN28

 

·       I peached in Sterling and Homer, AK, Sunday, August 18.  Then . . . DOCTORS! GRRRRRR!! I ended up with a toothache, starting on Monday, August 19.  After fishing on the 21st, I saw my dentist on the 22nd, and I had a root canal in Anchorage on August 23.  Sigh!  Kathy and I have been trying to get in our doctor visits while home.  But, we are seeing them more than we wanted to.  Next weeks devotion MAY BE about things wearing out . . .

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I am currently as Vacancy Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Vacancy Pastor, First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK


 

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

  

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