Sharing What's Really Important: October 2024

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Pleasantly Surprised to Worship With People of Many Nations, Tribes, Peoples, and Languages!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I learned again this week that travel, and life, are full of surprises. Some of those surprises are disappointing, like the lost luggage I mentioned in last week’s devotion. But, some of the adventures and surprises of life are pleasant, delightful even.

I am serving for 10 days in Martin Luther’s home town for Wittenberg English Ministry. This is a non-profit Lutheran Ministry which provides worship, and possibly pastoral care, specifically for English speaking tourists. After all, much of the worship in Wittenberg is conducted, as expected, in the native German language. But, if a Christian undertakes a faith pilgrimage or trip to this important historic site of the Christian faith, it can be a blessing to worship in that special place. Yet, worship in a foreign language can be confusing. So, Wittenberg English Ministry offers worship opportunities for English speaking tourists in Martin Luther’s home town.

My surprise has been how many different nations have been present for our English speaking worship services. On October 23, an American couple was present in our service. But, on October 24, we had worshipers from Germany and South Africa. Our Saturday worship included many from various spots in America, but many German speaking people from Wittenberg itself also worshiped with us.

However, the worship service which has so far surprised me the most was held on Friday, October 25, in The Castle Church, the church where Luther posted his 95 theses on October 31, 1517. In this October 25 worship service, I counted people from 5 different countries in addition to the U.S. We had worshipers from Japan, Korea, Germany, and England. But, the largest group was from Brazil. Pastor Rayfran Batista da Silva from an Assemblies of God church in Santa Ines, brought a group of 34 with him on a tour. According to one of the young men with Pastor da Silva, the congregation has approximately 12,000 members. So, as I led this worship service about 50 people, from 6 countries, praised God in 5 different languages! This unexpected crowd was truly a pleasant and delightful surprise, for me at least. I told Kathy and our team, “I think that was a picture of heaven.”

Do you remember the surprise the Apostle John had in his vision of heaven? In Revelation 7, John describes those worshiping God. ⁹ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" (Revelation 7:9-10) As I read this verse I hear awe in the words of the Apostle John at what God has revealed to him.

Think about those words from God, “a great multitude . . . from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages.” That gives new meaning for me to John 3:16, "For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his only Son, Or, perhaps that helps us understand Jesus’ mission call to His Church, “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL NATIONS . . .” (Matthew 28:19).

I am impressed that people from all over the world travel to Wittenberg because of the work and ministry of Martin Luther, who shared God’s love and grace, through faith in Jesus. But, through my experience in these worship services, I am reinforced and strengthened to know that God loves everyone; that our Lord calls people from every nation, from all tribes and people and languages” to eternal life in heaven through faith in Jesus. What a beautiful thought!

I am thankful that I had the privilege of experiencing part of this reality concerning heaven while worshiping my Lord in Wittenberg!

A Child of God, Pleasantly Surprised to Worship With People of Many Nations, Tribes, Peoples, and Languages!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. We are in Wittenberg from October 22-31, to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry. But we traveled to Germany early to enjoy some new (to us) places. From October 23 to 31 I am leading worship 7 times and preaching on 3 different texts, all pointing to the Reformation theme of God’s grace in Jesus. Here are some pictures of our daily travels so far. J

· Wednesday, October 23, was our first worship service for Wittenberg English Ministry, a service which was held in the “Corpus Christi Chapel” beside the town Church. Here are pictures of that day. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rgT3fQpSghAemsym8

· Here are some pictures from Thursday, October 24, worship again in the Corpus Christi Chapel and other activities. We also participated in “Stammtisch,” an evening time of visiting and speaking with town folk. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mig3mBFKicsL8UbZ8

· On Friday, October 25, our worship was held in the historic Castle Church where Luther nailed the 95 theses. This is also the day we had worshipers from 6 different countries in 5 different languages. Then we traveled to Leipzig to pick up Mary. Here are pictures from that day. https://photos.app.goo.gl/x533iiSKF8hawixP9

· Saturday, October 26, we held a full-length worship service in the town church where Luther most often preached. All worship has pointed to the Reformation, but this was our “Reformation Sunday Worship.” It was a full day, here are pictures from that day. https://photos.app.goo.gl/2YJpHQw9jQ7UPUZi7

· On Sunday, October 27, Reformation Sunday in America, we worshiped with German speaking Evangelicals / Lutherans, and then went exploring. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/UU18iocwsEmNiMQ99

· Monday, October 28 we visited museums.

o We visited the Assisi Panorama, a round depiction of Wittenberg in Luther’s time which can be experienced with multi-media tools. https://photos.app.goo.gl/95VvqnfkiZsP9NTG9

o We visited the Luther Museum. The “Luther House” is under renovation, to be finished some time after 2026. https://photos.app.goo.gl/WnCHtyX1VUtWNPmAA

o We visited the Melanthon Museum. https://photos.app.goo.gl/LY1jU9QmYU8sUy566

· On Tuesday, October 29, we led worship for a group of 21 from a Lutheran Church in Silverdale, WA, near Bremerton. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/m3TBXoxw4eoKRy9SA

P.P.S. I also continue serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

o While I am in Germany, October 20, 27, and November 3, Pastor Stephen Lane will be leading worship and teaching Bible Class.

o On Sunday, November 24, after worship, We will have an OKTOBERFEST MEAL, and a Wills / Estate planning seminar. Diana Raasch from LCEF will be working with local First Lutheran people to teach opportunities of faithful Christian Stewardship in our wills and estates. There will be opportunities to talk with Diana privately, if a person wishes to do so.

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

o FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS. We have sought nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville. The Florida-Georgia District has sent information on the candidates. We received 21 names and have made contact with 20 of those pastors. The Call Committee met again Tuesday, October 15. We are scheduling zoom interviews with 6 of these pastors the last week of October and the first week of November. The first interviews were held on Monday night, October 28.

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

o SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack. Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

o WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.

Our next study will be the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah.

o COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

o WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible. On Wednesday, October 22, we read Job 18-19.

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!

o FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A “RAISE THE ROOF FUND,” for roof replacement and air-conditioning repairs. 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. So the Congregation has begun a “Raise the Roof” campaign. Our goal to accomplish these combined repairs is $500,000!

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

*******

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)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Thankful That When I Stumble Around, God Provides Help in Time of Need!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you ever become frustrated over events or circumstance you thought you had planned for, which you had taken care of, but for which you then ended up encountering trouble or difficulty?

First, let me say that traveling is often an adventure. I am usually up for various adventures in life. However, sometimes in the middle of life’s challenges, I do wonder. I am very capable of making a short story long. However, let me try in this devotion to make a long story short. I will simply share that Kathy and I checked early in for our flights from Orlando to Germany on October 17, assured that our luggage was checked all the way through to Leipzig. But, when we arrived in Germany on Friday, October 18, our luggage did not make it with us. Sigh. A second frustration happened on Saturday, October 19, as we traveled to Prague. We asked at our hotel desk for recommendations of a place to eat. When we arrived at the recommended restaurant, La Republica, we were somewhat scolded. “It’s Saturday evening. We are booked all night. You should have made a reservation.” In both of these situations we thought we had prepared. However, in the moment, we were frustrated that our plans did not work out as we expected.

Nevertheless, things did ultimately work for the best in both situations. We arrived at our hotel in Wittenberg on October 18 around 6:00 p.m., and, while we were sleeping, at around 10:00 p.m., the airline did deliver our luggage. Yeah! We didn’t even have to carry our luggage on the train! J

Similarly, while we did not eat in Prague at the dining establishment where we planned to eat on Saturday night, we did find another restaurant, even closer to our hotel. “Café Imperial” might be one of the nicest places where Kathy and I have ever eaten. We enjoyed wonderful food, great service, and the price was less than many American restaurants! Kathy looked up “Café Imperial” on Google, and their recommendation was to make a reservation at least 7 days in advance. Yet, they gladly served us as walk-ins, two nights in a row!

Do you believe the Lord is with you through life’s adventures and challenges? When something fortunate happens, is it just ‘good luck?’ Or, could the Lord Himself be taking care of His stumbling children?

I am preaching this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in Wittenberg, Germany. on Hebrews 4:9-16, the Epistle lesson assigned for October 20. In many ways, this verse speaks a Reformation message of God’s grace. The writer assures us that, in spite of our sin, our failures, we can count on Jesus. “¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:14-15) God’s law points to our sin. But, the good news of the Gospel is that Jesus is our high priest. In compassion, Jesus knows our struggles. Jesus’ righteousness covers our sin. Thank you, Lord, for our eternal salvation in Jesus! Therefore, the writer to Hebrews calls God’s people, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) The Reformation Message is that we do not earn our own way, but God calls us to His throne of grace!

But, this Scripture message from the Lord does not just say that he saves us for eternal life. In Jesus, we also “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Kathy and I could have totally lost our luggage. Or, we could have ended up like my brother Stephen, whose luggage chased him around Israel for 5 days in 2022. But, in contrast, our luggage DID arrive. Then, when we were turned away at one restaurant we could have walked back to the hotel. Yet, we opened the door to a wonderful dining establishment where we feasted, and where after two nights, we felt like family! God is good!

Yes, God is most concerned about our eternal welfare. Jesus is our Savior from sin and death for eternal life in heaven. Nevertheless, God also cares for us daily. There are many verses in Scripture which teach us of God’s loving care. (For example: Psalm 103, Psalm 121, Matthew 6:30, Mark 10, Matthew 10:28-31, Romans 8:28, etc.) Therefore, I also choose give thanks and praise to my Lord when unexpected blessings follow troubles in my daily life. Life is full of unknown challenges. But, because in Jesus we “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” we can face life, and we can praise our Lord, whatever adventures and challenges we face. Thank you, Lord!

A Child of God, Thankful That When I Stumble Around, God Provides Help in Time of Need!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. We are in Wittenberg from October 22-31, to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry. But we traveled to Germany early to enjoy some new (to us) places. From October 23 to 31 I will lead worship 7 times and preach on 3 different texts, all pointing to the Reformation theme of God’s grace. Here are some pictures of our daily travels so far. J

· Here are some pictures from our trip from Orlando to Wittenberg, October 17 and 18. https://photos.app.goo.gl/UyyWE2CWfwYBQb4g6

· Here are some pictures of our trip to Prague, Czech Republic, and our first night there, Saturday, October 19. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jN2DcksiARHfrsvg9

· Here are pictures of a day in Prague, Sunday, October 20. https://photos.app.goo.gl/eQVYJR9xNXGk8BeT8

· Here are some pictures of our trip back from Prague to our hotel in Wittenberg, on October 21. https://photos.app.goo.gl/GTaDXnFXf9VYkW3M9

· Tuesday, October 22, was a day of rest as we prepare for the next four days of worship. Here is one picture which is special to me. https://photos.app.goo.gl/f1CRAuHXU1K1ZLTM8

P.P.S. I continue serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until First Lutheran receives a permanent full-time pastor.

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

· While I am in Germany, October 20, 27, and November 3, Pastor Stephen Lane will be leading worship and teaching Bible Class.

· On Sunday, November 24, after worship, We will have an OKTOBERFEST MEAL, and a Wills / Estate planning seminar. Diana Raasch from LCEF will be working with local First Lutheran people to teach opportunities of faithful Christian Stewardship in our wills and estates. There will be opportunities to talk with Diana privately, if a person wishes to do so.

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

· SUNDAY SCHOOL IS IN FULL SWING until May. Children begin in worship at 10:00 a.m.. Early in the service, after the Children’s Message, children leave for a lesson, for a craft, and a snack. Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, Neighbors, PLEASE bring your children to Sunday School.

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.

Our next study will be the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah.

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible. On Wednesday, October 22, we read Job 18-19.

· FIRST LUTHERAN HAS BEGUN A “RAISE THE ROOF FUND,” for roof replacement and air-conditioning repairs. 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. So the Congregation has begun a “Raise the Roof” campaign. Our goal to accomplish these combined repairs is $500,000!

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

· FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS. We have sought nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville. The Florida-Georgia District has sent information on the candidates. We received 21 names and have made contact with 20 of those pastors. The Call Committee met again Tuesday, October 15. We are scheduling zoom interviews with 6 of these pastors the last week of October and the first week of November.

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

*******

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)

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Singing Reformation Songs of Ascent because God Has Saved Us in Jesus

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Do you know about the Psalms of ascent? Jerusalem is located on a hill, traditionally called “Mt. Moriah,” where God saved Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. This location is holy to people of faith who count themselves heirs of Abraham. The Psalms of ascent, Psalms 120-134, were sung by God’s Old Testament people as they ‘ascended’ the hill to Jerusalem on their religious pilgrimage for the major Jewish festivals to worship the Lord. For Jewish celebrations like Passover in the spring, or the Feast of Booths in the fall, I have read that Jerusalem could triple in size. Those crowds would arrive singing these Psalms.

Please remember, Scripture is plain! It was not the temple, nor the city, which the Jewish people were to worship. ONLY the Lord Himself is worthy of honor and praise! But, can you imagine being part of the hundreds of thousands of God’s people singing these Psalms as they ascended to Jerusalem? What an experience of faith! What an experience of unity in being part of God’s family!

My heart is filled with anticipation as Kathy and Mary and I embark on a spiritual pilgrimage of our own this Thursday, October 17. I was asked to serve with the Wittenberg English Ministry, which provides worship and devotions for English speaking tourists in Wittenberg Germany. My service is from October 22-31.

Wittenberg is the city where Martin Luther taught at the university, where he struggled as he delved into Scripture, where he despaired because of the truth of God’s law which showed him his sin. But this is also the city where Luther found peace and joy and salvation in the good news from Scripture that we cannot save ourselves. Instead, our Lord God Himself saves us through Jesus’ perfect life, through His sacrificial suffering and death, and through His victorious resurrection. “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-10)

God led Luther to this saving faith through study of Scripture, and Luther then shared this Gospel from his home in Wittenberg. He nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church on October 31, 1517, intending a local academic debate. But, this document made it throughout Europe in about a month leading to what we know as The Reformation. Luther also completed his translation of the Bible in Wittenberg. (He began translating the Bible into German at Wartburg castle during his protective custody there.) In Wittenberg Luther wrote the catechisms, raised a family, encouraged and pastored the church.

Over 500 years after that first Reformation Day, I will have the privilege of speaking the same life changing Gospel of Jesus’ love to people in this special city, in the church where Luther preached. I know that it is not the city, nor the historic church buildings which we worship. ONLY the Lord Himself is worthy of honor and praise. But, in this place 500 plus years ago, God’s people re-discovered the truth of His saving love. I am looking forward to being part of the pilgrimage of those who come to Wittenberg to remember God’s grace and truth in Jesus.

What songs of ascent will we sing? The words of “A Mighty Fortress were not just needed for Luther’s time. God’s people from all times need these truths of God which Luther found in Psalm 46.

A mighty fortress is our God, A sword and shield victorious;

He breaks the cruel oppressor’s rod And wins salvation glorious.

The old satanic foe Has sworn to work us woe.

With craft and dreadful might He arms himself to fight.

On earth he has no equal.

No strength of ours can match his might. We would be lost, rejected.

But now a champion comes to fight, Whom God Himself elected.

You ask who this may be? The Lord of hosts is He,

Christ Jesus, mighty Lord, God’s only Son, adored.

He holds the field victorious.

Though hordes of devils fill the land All threat’ning to devour us,

We tremble not, unmoved we stand; They cannot overpow’r us.

Let this world’s tyrant rage; In battle we’ll engage.

His might is doomed to fail; God’s judgment must prevail!

One little word subdues him.

God’s Word forever shall abide, No thanks to foes, who fear it;

For God Himself fights by our side With weapons of the Spirit.

Were they to take our house, Goods, honor, child, or spouse,

Though life be wrenched away, They cannot win the day.

The Kingdom’s ours forever!

May the Lord be your fortress on your pilgrimage through the trials this world, to our eternal home in heaven! In the midst of these trials may your hearts be full of song, because, in Jesus, we have victory and life!!

A Child of God, Singing Reformation Songs of Ascent because God Has Saved Us in Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

P.S. I continue serving as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until they receive a permanent full-time pastor.

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

· While I am in Germany, October 20, 27, and November 3, Pastor Stephen Lane will be leading worship and teaching Bible Class.

· First Lutheran said Farewell to Norm and June Nesheim after worship on Sunday, October 13. They are moving closer to family near Chattanooga, TN. Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oisxEaandXyVGf7V8

PLAN NOW to attend this festive meal and informative seminar!

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. If you want to read ahead, this coming Sunday we will continue in Acts 27 and 28 - the last chapter of Acts. Pastor Lane will be leading. Come study with us about the early church as we seek to be God’s people in today’s world.

Our next study will be the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah.

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS meet on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us! They are studying “The Case for Christianity.”

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible. On Wednesday, October 16, we read Job 6-7.

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

· FIRST LUTHERAN IS BACK IN THE CALL PROCESS. We have sought nominations and names of pastors who would serve the Lord and His people well at First Lutheran in Gainesville. The Florida-Georgia District has sent information on the candidates. We received 21 names and have made contact with 20 of those pastors. The Call Committee will met again Tuesday, October 15. We hope to do zoom interviews with 6 of these pastors.

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

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

· Hurricane Milton came and went, October 9 and 10. Gainesville was spared, while other parts of Florida were not. Here are two pictures.

o This is a picture of the storm radar at midnight, October 9/10 from our niece, Sarah Rockey Mehrlich. They live in Minneola, just west of Orlando. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z8KJhNwc5onzC8tL8

o Here is a Friday, October 11, picture of traffic. Kathy and I were driving to Ocala to eat out with my family. We stayed off I-75, because it was backed up. US 441 was not much better. It took us 2 hours to make 42 miles. L https://photos.app.goo.gl/h2MfXCA1D8RiHsJD8

· I went fishing twice last week.

o After some shut in calls on Thursday afternoon, October 10, after two shut-in calls (while pulling my boat to those calls), I fished in the Santa Fe River north of Alachua. I only fished a short period of time. I had no bites and took no pictures . . . but I SHOULD have!

o On Sunday, October 13, after a full day at First Lutheran, I tried a new lake. I was surprised to have bites quickly and throughout this fishing trip. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/vsmufZoD4pt9q1D16

· Kathy and I leave on Thursday, October 17 to fly to Germany.

We will share with you from our travels.

*******

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)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Seeking to Face the Perils of Life as an Opportunity to Share the Love of Jesus!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On Wednesday morning, October 9, the assigned readings from my devotional bible were from Esther 3 and 4. In these verses, the Persian king, Ahasuerus, is led by his ‘prime minister,’ Haman, to issue a terrifyingly dark edict of death. Haman was proudly arrogant, wanting others to bow down to him because of his position. However, for some reason not mentioned in the book of Esther, Mordecai the Jew refused to bow to Haman. Of course, Jewish people knew the command of God, "You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3) Mordecai refused an act of seeming worship toward this ruler, refused an act of seeming worship toward someone other than the Lord. Early Christians faced similar persecution under the Roman Empire.

However, Mordecai’s attempt at righteous living infuriated Haman. Haman convinced the king to issue the ‘edict of death,’ a command to kill all the Jewish people in the Persian kingdom on the twelfth day of the twelfth month. Persia stretched from India to Ethiopia. (Esther 1:1)

Therefore, Mordecai went to Queen Esther for help with this mortal threat. Esther had been chosen queen in what is sometimes describes as a ‘royal beauty contest.’ However, unknown to Haman, Mordecai had also served as Esther’s adoptive father. Haman did not realize that in his edict of death he had even targeted the Queen of Persia!

Mordecai’s request for help caused a problem for Queen Esther, though. Entering the king’s presence without being called was an offense punishable by death. So, should Esther put her life on the line to possibly save her people, the Jews? (Does that sound to you like what Jesus Himself did for us?)

Mordecai’s response to Esther’s concern was a straight-forward dose of reality. “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) In other words Mordecai suggests to Esther that perhaps this danger was an opportunity to serve. Perhaps the Lord created Esther to face this peril in order to help her people. In other words Mordecai is saying, “Don’t worry about the danger. Just do what you can to help others, and trust the Lord to act.”

For the second week in a row, I am writing my devotion in the shadow of a hurricane. Hurricane Milton is barreling down on Florida bringing wind and rains, spawning floods and tornados. We will not be directly hit in Gainesville, but we will still feel the effects of the storm. Those south of us will be hit with the brunt of a major destructive hurricane.

What can we do in the face of this peril? No matter how much we worry, we won’t change the path of the storm. Nevertheless, there are some things we can do. As a child of God I can act responsibly, so that I don’t unnecessarily put myself in harms way. After all, if someone is helping me, I will have trouble helping others.

We can pray, and we have been praying, not only for those in the path of Milton, but also for the hundreds of thousands still suffering the devastations of Helene.

But Mordecai’s words in Esther, God’s word in Scripture, may also apply to us. “. . . who knows whether you have not come . . . for such a time as this?" In these times of approaching destruction there will be people who need help. We can donate to relief efforts. We can help our neighbors. We can volunteer our time and talents. Many I know in Gainesville are housing people who have evacuated from the south west of Florida. Church members are calling others to check on their welfare. My brother-in-law is helping in relief efforts in Valdosta, Georgia. And . . . the people of First Lutheran are praying. We are petitioning the grace and love of our loving Lord for all those in the path of this current storm, and for those recovering from the last one. In other words, we don’t know what the storm will bring. But we know that we can help.

Paul taught that God can and does accomplish good in all situations. ^“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) This promise of God does not say that all things ARE good. But, it does say that God WORKS good in all things. After all, even in the death of God’s Son, even in the death of the one who is God Himself, our Lord worked the forgiveness and salvation of a sinful world. If God worked good even in the death of Jesus, He can and does work good even in the tragedies of life. He is LORD!

In addition, Jesus taught the royal law of God found in Leviticus 19, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) In times of trouble we have the opportunity to live as children of God. We have the opportunity to love our neighbors, to make a difference. “. . . who knows whether you have not come . . . for such a time as this?"

When you face times of peril, disaster, and destruction, how will you live as a child of God and help those in need?

A Child of God, Seeking to Face the Perils of Life as an Opportunity to Share the Love of Jesus!

Pastor Rockey

P.S. If you want to help those recovering from Helene, here are some options.

· Pastor Phil Kuehnert lives in Virginia. He sent me this message: “Today I received this from Dr. Bill Harmon, president of the Southeastern District of the LCMS. https://www.facebook.com/pbharmon/posts/pfbid0iQe5PoKkYwLr6aaFguwhtpGVzgBUifoQBpJuvrvCcyQPQtNsu6v3ohhmtYrYGCvbl”

· We received this message from President James Rockey of the Florida Georgia District. “Your District Office is here to help; please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or help you may need. Contact Jay Wendland, FLGA District Disaster Response Coordinator, directly at jwendland@flgadistrict.org. Remember—we love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 – Helping the hurting amid disaster. Please remember to pray fervently for all those who will and have been affected by this major hurricane so that God will provide for them and that they will be drawn to our only hope in Christ.”

· Here is some information from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod on helping. https://files.lcms.org/file/preview/hurricane-helene-bulletin-insert?_gl=1*95x76q*_ga*OTAyMzM1MTQ3LjE3MjM5MzM0NjQ.*_ga_Z0184DBP2L*MTcyNzk5ODI5OS4zLjEuMTcyNzk5ODMzMy4wLjAuMA.

P.P.S. I am serving again as vacancy pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, until they receive a permanent full-time pastor.

NEWS AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AT First Lutheran Church – Gainesville!

THANK YOU Sunday School Teachers and staff!

· WE CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BOOK OF ACTS on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. in the Besalski Fellowship Hall. If you want to read ahead, this coming Sunday we will continue in Acts 27 and 28 - the last chapter of Acts. Come study with us about the early church as we seek to be God’s people in today’s world.

Our next study will be the Messianic prophecies in Isaiah.

· COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS are now meeting on Tuesday nights in the student house at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us!

· WE CONTINUE TO READ THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE IN 2024 and 2025 using the Today’s Light Devotional Bible. On Wednesday, October 9, we read Esther 3 and 4.

Please consider how God may lead you toward these needs in the future. (While serving in Gainesville, I will be donating from each of my checks.)

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

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

· Here are fishing pictures from Saturday, October 5. (The weather is STILL getting in the way of fishing and golfing.) https://photos.app.goo.gl/kpueKb85YALXRNN66

· Kathy and I leave on Thursday, October 17 to fly to Germany. I have the privilege of serving Wittenberg English Ministry October 22-31. This is a ministry to English speaking travelers in Wittenberg, the town where Martin Luther served during the Reformation.

Luther nailed The 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. I have the opportunity and privilege of leading worship and preaching in this historic city, including leading worship on October 31. Our daughter, Mary will join us on October 26. After some other travel, we will return on November 7.

We will share with you from our travels.

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

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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)