Dear Fellow Children of God,
Where do you get your news? As a child I could watch Walter Cronkite and
Dan Rather on CBS, or Chet Huntley and David Brinley on NBC, or Peter Jennings
on ABC. The news on these three major networks was considered reliable. Journalism was supposed to share facts and
help inform people so they could make their own decisions. But today it seems those networks all lean in
one political direction and mix opinion with facts. There are other news sources which provide the
other side of the spectrum, with their own differing opinions. However, the reports in many ways are still
opinions mixed with the facts surrounding the stories. So, where can a child of God hear reports of
the news of the day which we know are true, and can inform us for Christian
living?
A couple of years ago my daughter pointed me to a
different news source called “The Pour Over,” which I receive through e-mail. It attempts to share actual facts about
current events, and then follows those facts with a Christian perspective on
that news. This news source does not
report on all stories. The Pour Over chooses
one or two important stories for each daily message. In addition to the news, there are advertisements,
and even some mission opportunities..
At the top of each “Pour Over” email message, there is a heading
with a few facts about the day, and a quote from some notable person. One day last week this was the QUOTE OF
THE DAY: “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our
enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.” G.K.
Chesterton.
I saved those words of Christian wisdom, because I knew that
election day was coming. In Alaska, at
least, I would not say this has been a hard-fought election. I would call this an ugly election cycle with
accusations and innuendo being thrown about freely. Please consider, words are not without
consequence. Words reflect AND inflame
feelings. And feelings lead to
action. The day after elections could be
a day of distrust and hatred.
Nevertheless, Chesterton is correct. Jesus calls His followers to love. In Matthew 5 Jesus teaches in The Sermon on
the Mount, 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall
love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love
your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that
you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on
the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the
tax collectors do the same?” (Matthew 5:43-46) I am sure the people of Jesus’ day wondered
about His teaching.
However, reminding his disciples of God’s truth from the
Old Testament, Jesus also taught His disciples, “ . . .you shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind
and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than
these." (Mark 12:30-31) Yes, we
are to love our neighbors, and that is not just those living close to us.
The love Jesus teaches in NOT primarily a feeling.
Actually, love shows itself in actions of self-giving. Even if I feel resentment toward an enemy who
has treated me badly, and unjustly, I can still treat them with patience,
kindness, and fairness. Unfortunately, I
must also confess, there are times when I can forget or neglect to show loving
actions even to my neighbors, whom I may like.
God calls us to love everyone.
As Jesus says, our Heavenly Father shows love and provision for
all. Disciples of Jesus should do the
same. (Matthew 5:45-46)
That, after all, is how Jesus treated us, when we were
His enemies. Enemies of
Jesus?? Please consider these words of
God from Romans. “8 but
God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood,
much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if
while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much
more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans
5:8-10) We were sinful, enemies of God.
In LOVE, Jesus DIED for us!
Therefore, the night before He was crucified this is
Jesus’ hard call to His disciples. “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) Please
remember HOW Jesus loved us.
Jesus’ actions of love for us are that He left heaven to become a man in
this world, to live for us. Jesus’
actions of love are that He submitted to injustice, torture, and death, for
us. Jesus’ loving actions are that, in
love, He defeated hatred, and sin, and death by rising to life from death. As we watch Jesus’ sacrificial love, that
love helps and empowers us to love our neighbors, and our enemies.
So, on this morning after elections, these words of
Chesterton are important. On this
morning after elections, this teaching of Jesus is necessary. “. . . love one another: just as I have
loved you.”
A Child of God, Seeking to Share Jesus by Loving
Neighbors and Enemies Alike!”
Pastor Rockey
P.S. I am now serving as vacancy pastor at Anchorage
Lutheran Church in Anchorage.
·
Call Committee – The Executive Leadership
Team (ELT) of Anchorage Lutheran has re-started the call process. This
committee consists of Lynn Boots, Danielle Bowman, Caleb Fluege, Tim and Genae
Meerstein, Alexa Mix, Joel Mix, Joe Pollock, and Karen Quintieri. Also attending meetings will be ELT
President, Steve Fibranz, DCE Matthew Murphy, Vacancy Pastor Jonathan Rockey,
and Circuit Visitor Tony Schultz. The
committee met on September 10 for a beginning meeting, and again on Sunday,
September 27 after worship to evaluate our self-study. For the last 3 Sundays
members of Anchorage Lutheran have filled out surveys to give feedback a) on
the qualities which Anchorage Lutheran desires in a pastor, and b) what kind of
ministry happens at Anchorage Lutheran.
The Call
committee will meet again November 9 to look at the results of these
surveys, and to plan the next steps in calling a full-time pastor for Anchorage
Lutheran
PLEASE PRAY
FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS ON THE CALL PROCESS AT ALC!
·
Consecration (Stewardship) Sunday – Consecration
Sunday is a Stewardship Emphasis which will provide education on God’s plans for
Christian Stewardship, and will give ALC members an opportunity to consider and
plan ways to respond to God’s grace in their lives. In November worship we will consider a) God’s
many blessings in our lives on November 1, and b) we will consider God’s plan
for Stewardship on November 8. Then, in
worship on November 15, ALC members will have an opportunity in worship
to respond to God’s love. Afterwards, we
will celebrate with a special meal after worship: apple pork loin,
au gratin potatoes, garlic parmesan green beans, salad, rolls, and apple crisp
ala mode!
Please plan
now to be part of this growth opportunity.
Bible classes –
·
In our Sunday morning Bible Study we finished studying
the book of Ephesians. On Sunday, October 25 we began a study on “The
Lord’s Prayer.” As part of this
study we will also discuss ways to encourage prayer opportunities and ministry
at Anchorage Lutheran.
PLEASE FEEL
FREE TO JOIN US IN BIBLE STUDY ON SUNDAY MORNINGS in the fellowship hall at
8:45 a.m.!
·
New Member Class? –On October 4, I began teaching
an Adult Membership Class after late worship.
The class is being held in my office.
So far we have studied creation, and the origin of sin, and the person
of Jesus, salvation, and heaven and hell.
However, on November 1 Kathy and I attended the confirmation of our
grandson, Henry, in Lacy, WA. There will
be no class until November 8. ON
NOVEMBER 8 WE WILL STUDY THE WORD OF GOD, AND MAKE PLANS FOR FUTURE CLASSES.
This class is not
only a way for non-members to join Anchorage Lutheran, but also a good
refresher for current members.
Other Activities of Faith:
·
I am again taking a two-year journey with my
Lord, by reading through the Scriptures using the “Today’s Light Devotional
Bible.” On Wednesday, November 4, I read
Job 38-41, where the Lord Himself answers the questions of Job concerning Job’s
suffering. God’s answer was not what Job
was looking for, but reveals to Job and to us who God is.
You are welcome
to join in this journey of reading God’s Word.
You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about
these readings. Or send an e-mail
question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net I have
received questions and comments about the readings. It is always good to consider our Lord’s love
and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!
P.P.S. Family Fun, Friends, and Fishing!
·
FISHING - I did NOT go fishing this past
week. This is the time when there is ice
IN the water, but the ice is too thin or unstable to walk on. We were also traveling for family. However, I have been watching the weather
forecast. Temperatures are dropping. Ice fishing will start in November! 😊
·
Olympia WA with Family – Kathy and I flew
to the Seattle area to be present for the Confirmation of grandson, Henry, on Sunday,
November 1.
o On
Friday, October 30, we drove through the country with Josh and Erin, Henry and
Annie, and visited a wildlife park. Here
are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rC1uigiqA4g9FUpt9
o On
Saturday, October 31, Kathy and I drove around with Josh and Erin. Among other sites we visited Tumwater Falls
in Olympia. https://photos.app.goo.gl/1iyz7S2eJxC5TUgB8
o Here
are some pictures of Henry’s Confirmation at Faith Lutheran Church in Lacey,
WA. https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJmTxhrv6ZML3ibb8
o On
Monday, November 2, Josh and I golfed at Capitol City Golf Course in Lacey,
WA. Here are a couple of pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/2VDaVY66ZpC8JKfA8
·
My personal information was hacked and financial
fraud was attempted. We are learning we
cannot share everything! ☹
P.P.P.S. Travel
to Lutherland? – I mentioned in a previous devotion that I have been asked
again to serve with Wittenberg English Ministry, leading English worship
services in Wittenberg, Germany, where Martin Luther did much of his
ministry. This time Kathy and I will
serve from June 15-29, 2027.
When I mentioned our plans, a
number of people asked if we would be leading a tour. Actually, we had NOT planned to do that. But we consulted with our friends at Luther
Tours, and Donna Taylor worked up 2 tours beginning at the end of our service
and going for about another week. IF we
have 15 or more people, Kathy and I would consider leading a tour. Here is a brochure in case you are interested
in going. (I can
send an attachment. However, I hope this
link works.) 11-Day
Germany Tour June 2027.pdf
However, we need to make a
decision soon. If you are interested, please let us know.
*******
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. (I finished for
now serving as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in
Gainesville, FL. I am now serving Anchorage Lutheran Church as Vacancy Pastor.)
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, Anchorage Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK
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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