If Only Jesus Had Been Here!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I attended a wonderful worship service on Sunday, March 26, the 5^th Sunday in Lent.  While attending First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida, the assigned readings (Ezekiel 37:1-4, Romans 8:1-11, John 11:1-45) were powerful.  The hymns and the music hit home and spoke to my heart.  The children’s message by First Lutheran member Patti Bolser taught the story well, and brought laughter to the children, and the rest of the congregation.  And, Pastor John Glover’s sermon brought power and hope from God based on the account in John 11 about Lazarus.  As a pastor I pray that when I preach my sermon goes well. But, when the whole service speaks God’s love so plainly, it is rare.  I left worship last Sunday especially uplifted in my Christian faith!

 

In Pastor Glover’s sermon on John 11, the account of raising Lazarus, he pointed to the words both Martha and Mary spoke to Jesus.  Jesus had known that Lazarus was ill, but did not return to Bethany and heal His friend.  Jesus told His disciples, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Later Jesus informed His disciples, ¹⁴  . . . "Lazarus has died,  ¹⁵ and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." (John 11:4, 14-15)  So, when their brother Lazarus died, the words of his sisters, Mary and Martha, were understandable.  In verse 21, Martha tells Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (Jn. 11:21 ESV)  Those are the exact same words spoken by Martha’s sister, Mary, in verse 32. 

 

It is possible to read regret into the words of these women.  As the friends of the family pointed out, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?" (John 11:37)  However, Pastor Glover suggested that we could also hear anger in the words of these women.  I agree with Pastor Glover.  In fact, I also hear them accusing Jesus. It is possible that the women were saying to Jesus, “Jesus, you say that you care.  But the lack of your presence does not show your love.”  Anger is a normal part of grief, and we see that anger in the words of these friends of Jesus.  They spoke truthfully concerning what was in their heart.

 

Pastor Glover pointed to another surprising truth that, along with these sisters, Jesus also was angry!  He showed His anger with His tears.  God is angry at how sin brings suffering and death into the world and assaults His children.  That is why Jesus came to this world, to take on sin, to die, and to rise.  He came to overcome sin, and to bring God’s love, and life.

 

Pastor Glover’s assertion also goes with something else which I was hearing in this reading, something the ladies missed in their grief.  Martha and Mary accused Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  However, they missed that, in a very real way, Jesus was there.  Jesus stayed away physically during Lazarus’ illness.  But Jesus knew what was happening to Lazarus.  He also knew the miracle which He would soon perform, the miracle of calling His dead friend out of the grave.  Jesus knew His purpose of remaining away from Bethany, and His purpose in raising Lazarus.  Jesus’ purpose was to glorify His Heavenly Father, and to grow faith in His followers. But, in truth and in love, Jesus was present in Martha and Mary’s time of need.

 

How often, when we face the pain, the suffering, and the losses of life, do we wonder, “Where was Jesus?  Why wasn’t He here when I needed Him?”  Perhaps, Jesus, the man, wondered the same thing as He suffered on the cross. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) But, the writer to the Hebrews assures those who meditate on His writing, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’" (Hebrews 13:5)  Consider that God also inspired David to write in Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)  In other words, even when we feel forsaken, as Martha and Mary did, God is with us.  When we really need our Lord, even in times of trouble, He is really present. 

 

We live in a world of sin, our sin, and the sin of those around us as well.  The sin and rebellion against God in this world wreaks havoc on our lives, and brings pain, and suffering, and death.  Like Martha and Mary, we may be led to ask “Where were you, Lord, when I really needed you.”  Thankfully, Jesus knows what happens in our lives, and He is present.

 

As Pastor Glover says, “In the midst of the worst of times, Jesus is angry along with us at the sin and the pain and death which sin brings into our lives.”  But, even though we may wonder where He is during these horrible trials, Jesus is with us through our losses and trials.  He is with us in His power, in His love, and in His compassion. 

 

Thank you, Lord!

 

A Child of God, Thankful That in the Trials of Life, Jesus is With Me!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  This past week I fished, golfed, and helped my brother, David, move his trailer and prepare it for sale.  I don’t have pictures of the golf games.  I didn’t take pictures worth sharing of our work day at David’s trailer.  But, guess what? I do have pictures of a few fishing trips.

 

·       On Wednesday, March 22, I went fishing at Orange Lake. I caught 3 bass and kept two.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/i2jQ5mTAtME34sGr6 

 

·       On Thursday, March 23, I went fishing on the Suwannee River with my brother-in-law, Mark Reaves.  We caught 3 small bass, but released them all because they were small.  However, as the weather warms, we did see 9 gators.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Hq9CQBa857aCCdi19

 

·       On Sunday afternoon, after worship and lunch with friends, I went fishing at a favorite local lake.  I caught 4 small bass.  But since they were all only about 12” long, I released them.  However, it is always a joy to be outdoors.  Here are some pictures of a fish I released, a gator, and a beautiful sunset. https://photos.app.goo.gl/9tu5AV7fU2snKT6v5

 

·       On Tuesday, March 28, I went fishing on Orange Lake.  I caught 6 bass and kept 4.  I also caught a small bream.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nih7iPBSRFn7hHGq5

 

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

Can You See the Power and Love of God in Your Life?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Have you ever been frustrated? Have you ever been so frustrated that you threw up your hands saying, “I give up.  I can’t do this anymore!”?  In frustration, or because you were overwhelmed, have you ever said with some truth in your words, “Lord, take me!”?  I know everyone faces frustration.  So, I want you to know that when you face frustration you are in good company.  Even more, I want you to know there is strength and help to carry you in these difficult times.

 

In my devotions on Tuesday, March 21, I read from Numbers 11 and 12.  In Numbers 11 the people of God complained because they were tired of the same old food.  “We never see anything but this manna.” (Numbers 11:4) Consider, however, that this manna was an amazing gift from God to feed the whole nation of Israel in the wilderness!  The people wanted meat! Moses responded to God in the following verses. “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? . . . The burden is too heavy for me.  If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now.” (Numbers 11:10, 14-15) Then, when God told Moses that the people would indeed eat meat, Moses replied in frustrated disbelief.  “Here I am among 600,000 men on foot, and you say, ‘I will give them meat to eat for a whole month?’ . . . Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” (Numbers 11:21-22)  Moses heard the complaints of the people. He knew that he could not fill their wishes.  He was overwhelmed!

 

What frustrates you right now?  What feels too big for even God to fix?  What scares you about the present or the future?  Personally, I look at the direction of our nation, and our world, and I am seriously concerned for my children and grandchildren.  Also, I have some friends and know of others with cancer, and the diagnosis does not look good.  In addition, I pray for people and their relationships, but sometimes those relationships seem beyond repair, or almost beyond repair.  Life can seem overwhelming.

 

Please also consider that our Lord Himself reached a time where he was overwhelmed.  In the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing of His coming arrest, of His sham trial, of His scourging, crucifixion, and death, Jesus prayed for relief.  Jesus tells His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:38)  Then Jesus prayed to the Heavenly Father, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.”  (Matthew 26:39 a) Jesus knew that His suffering and death was near, and Jesus the man was overwhelmed.

 

However, when Moses went to God, frustrated and overwhelmed, God had a sharp answer for  Moses’ complaint.  “Is the Lord’s arm too short?  You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” (Numbers 11:23)  The Lord’s arm was NOT too short.  He sent a wind which drove quail to the Israelite camp for “a day’s walk” around the camp.  God did provide, not only for the needs but also for the wants of His people.  In fact, they grew sick of all the quail.  God’s power and love are greater than our troubles, and greater than our frustrations.

 

Jesus’ prayer in the garden was not only that He could escape His coming suffering and death.  He also prayed to His Father in these words. “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  (Matthew 26:39 b) Jesus was overwhelmed, but He put His life into His Father’s hands.  Jesus’ prayer was answered.  The cup was not taken away, but neither was God’s arm too short.  The Heavenly Father  accomplished His divine will.  In Jesus’ suffering and death, He paid for the sin of the whole world, for my sin and your sin.  Then, according to the wisdom and the will of the Father, Jesus rose on the third day from the dead, defeating the sin and death which overwhelm us in this world. 

 

Have you been frustrated recently? Have you perhaps been so frustrated that you threw up your hands saying, “I give up.  I can’t do this anymore!”?  The arm of God is not too short.  In love He shows His power, even in our trouble, even in our pain, even in death. God accomplishes His love for us through Jesus.  Can you see the power and love of God in your life?

 

A Child of God, Trusting the Love and Power of God through Life’s Overwhelming Frustrations,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Long-time friends, Rick and Kristi Armstrong, visited us March 15-18.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get any pictures of all of us together.  However, I did get some pictures when Rick and I went fishing on the Suwannee River, Friday, March 17.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/iMeqmzwX118nNf5r5

 

P.P.S.  I was scheduled to fish with my brother Stephen on Saturday, March 18.  However, the forecast was for thunder storms from 3:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., so we cancelled.  But, the weather forecast was wrong.  So, Stephen and I met at 1:30 p.m. at Orange Lake, in the hard rain.  But, when the rain started to let up, we went fishing.  In about 2 hours of fishing we caught 3 nice bass.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/fDr6LjTDXXGLzvkh8

 

P.P.P.S.  Finally, because I had choir scheduled for Tuesday evening, and I had many errands to run, I did not plan on fishing on Tuesday.  I accomplished all my errands, and then choir was cancelled.  So, guess what?  I went fishing at Rodman Reservoir.  It wasn’t a full day, but I returned with 2 nice bass.  Here are some more pictures.  J https://photos.app.goo.gl/sxAD4QkQSNhWLPVW8

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

 

"So That's What Retirement Looks Like?" . . . Retired, and Hopefully Still Serving My Lord!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

I have received a lot of feedback lately from people commenting on my retirement. You see, I have continued to try to serve my Lord, even though I have officially retired from work as a full time pastor.  I still help out when asked, I just have not had primary, sole, responsibility for a large congregation.  So, having been asked, between February 26 and March 19, I have preached, or will have preached every Sunday, conducted two funerals, and spoken at a Lenten service.  That’s 8 sermons in 22 days.  I’ve heard more than once, “So, that’s what retirement looks like?”   

 

I have shared with friends, more than once, that “I’m not sure what retirement is!”  Interestingly, in Numbers the Levites were to stop their service at age 50. We read, “24 This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the Tent of Meeting, 25 but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer.” (Numbers 8:24-25) I do know that near the end of my time as pastor at St. John, I was working and serving in a way that I could not continue.  But, when I thought of just “slowing down,” I was not sure I could see a job that needed doing and just step back.  With Kathy’s request for more time together, I chose to serve God more in family time, than in work time.

 

However, even though I have retired, God has not stopped loving me.  I am still a child of God.  I do know what retirement is NOT.  Retirement not for staying away from church, or for refraining from faithful service, or no longer putting forth effort for my Lord.  I am still called to serve Jesus, just not in a full time job.  I do find more freedom to serve, and also to golf and to fish as well.  :-) 

 

For years, as a full-time pastor, when I taught confirmation there was one Bible verse I wanted my confirmation students to know and to memorize.  Yes, I wanted them to know John 3:16, and many other verses.  But, even more I wanted them to know 2 Corinthians 5:15.  “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  First, I wanted my students to know that Jesus didn’t die for me because I served him.  It works the other way around.  Christ died for me, to pay for my sins, to save me from death and hell.  BECAUSE Jesus died AND rose for me, because he died for all, I (and hopefully we) WANT to live for Him.  I still seek to serve my Lord in all I do!

 

I am convinced that is why Scripture gives us so many calls to serve the Lord with our whole being.

 

Samuel called the people of Israel in 1 Samuel 12: 24, “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”  This verse, which reflects other similar verses from Deuteronomy and Joshua, calls people of God to serve Him, because of the great things He does for us.

 

Jesus shares the call to worship God with our whole lives throughout the New Testament, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30).  Of course, Jesus, the Savior of the world. is present when He calls God’s people to love Him with ALL that they are.

 

That is also why God inspired Paul to write in many places, including Colossians, “17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. . . 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” (Colossians 3:17 23)  Because God the Father has sent His Son, Jesus, I want to THANK him in whatever I do.  Because Jesus has saved me, I want to serve Him, in any task or work that I do!

 

I have a friend at St. John Lutheran in Palmer, Harry Koenen.  Harry is retired, but served as a Licensed Electrician when he was working.  Just because Harry is retired does not mean that Harry does nothing electrical.  Harry has helped me, a man who is dangerous around electricity, many times. Harry continues serving the Lord with his skills by loving others.  Thank you, Harry!

 

I’m still not sure what retirement means, or what it will mean for me in the future.  What I do know is that “. . . [Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”  How are you living for Jesus?

 

A Child of God, Retired . . . and Hopefully Still Living for Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  We celebrated Kathy’s birthday with a trip to Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia, with my sister, Martha Reaves, and her husband, Mark, and with my brother, Steve Rockey, and his wife, Lori.  Here are pictures of Kathy’s and my trip to north Georgia. https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz8dF6FUqeXDrUWS7

 

P.P.S.  We had a visit on Saturday, March 11, from Alaska friends, JD and Dena Jeffers, but (shucks) we did not get a picture.  We love visits from friends!  Ask JD about the gator he ate for dinner.  J

 

P.P.P.S.  I did go fishing at Orange Lake on Monday, March 13.  When I hooked the biggest bass I have ever seen, and had him spashing near the surface, my net was caught in the handle of another pole.  As I freed the net . . . the fish got off.  L  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HTbwAdeoAPdTktGT9

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

 

These Three Remain: Faith, Hope, and Love, But the Greatest of These is LOVE!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last week I wrote about the trouble and the mess in which our world finds itself.  Yet, in the middle of our serious problems, caused by sin and evil, there is still good. I experienced that good this past weekend.  I found faith, hope, and love in a Christian family gathering.

 

I traveled to Alaska to conduct the graveside service, and memorial service, for Katie McLeod.  Katie was once a member of St. John Lutheran in Palmer in the 1950’s and 60’s.  Her nephew, Mike Sweeney, and niece, Karen Sweeney Johnson, are still members of St. John, as are other family members.  Katie and family moved from Palmer to Soldotna in 1968. But when I was first pastor at St. John, and when Katie would come to visit, the long-time lady members of St. John gathered around her like a mother hen.  Early on in Alaska, I became friends with Kathy Foster, Katie’s daughter, and I have gone fishing many times with her son, Fred Vasilie.  I have been visiting Katie in Soldotna in a nursing home when I travel to the Kenai Peninsula to conduct worship.  Katie’s faith was such that Jesus shone brightly through her life, and her words, even up to the end.  So when Katie’s family asked me to conduct her services, I was honored to do so. 

 

Let me say that, to serve as a pastor, to be asked into the private, personal, moments of the lives of God’s people, and to seek to bring Jesus into those moments, is one of the great privileges and  joys I found in serving.  Let me also say that, not only is our world full of trouble, but trouble and conflict even haunts the church of God.  Nevertheless, once in a while we receive a glimpse of how Christian faith, hope, and love make a difference in this life. 

 

I will also share another observation.  Families, somewhat surprisingly, do not always get along at weddings.  There is a lot of pressure to make the wedding day special.  Family members can disagree on how the ceremony and celebration should go, and that can create tension, sometimes at a high level.  But, in the trial and loss of a funeral or memorial service even adversaries often pull together.  I remember such an event at the visitation for my own father-in-law, James Tobin, in April of 1980.  A husband and wife who had not spoken in years, were so moved by the death of their friend that they reconciled.  Amazing!

 

So, when people pull together in a time of loss, and when faith in Jesus is present and obvious, the gathering of people at a funeral can be a time of real love.  In Katie’s memorial message I asked the 100-150 people gathered, “How many of you had Katie tell you, ‘I love you.’?”  EVERYONE raised their hands, and it was not all family, nor even church members. I told them, “You love Katie because Katie loved you. And Katie loved you because Jesus loved Katie!”

 

In 1 Corinthians 13, God moved St. Paul to write about love.  “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. . . 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:4-8a, 13)  The Corinthian church was in need of love. They were in deep conflict.  They had formed competing groups, who disagreed.  Sexual immorality and law-suits were dividing the congregation.  They disagreed about what a person can eat, about how to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, about the roles of men and women, about spiritual gifts, and even about the resurrection of Jesus. So, Paul calls them to faith, to hope, and to love, especially love.

 

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 3-5, as I gathered with Katie’s blood family, her church family, and her friends, I saw people who were, first of all, thankful for having known this lady of faith.  They knew that Jesus and His forgiving and saving love were at the center of Katie’s life, and Jesus’ love, therefore, permeated the gatherings.  If there had been any disagreements among those gathered, I saw instead only people hugging one another, and speaking in love of Katie, and acting in supporting love for one another.  I was blessed to be present.

 

Our world is full of trouble, and things are getting worse, fast.  However, Jesus still makes a difference, a big difference.  When we have Jesus, we have faith in the Lord who is greater and more loving than we are.  When we have Jesus, we have hope for eternity, in spite of the depressing trials in our lives today.  And, when we have Jesus we have sacrificial, eternal love, shown amazingly to us, love which changes our lives so that we can love others.  “. . . now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13) 

 

A Child of God, Thankful that ‘The Greatest of These is Love,”

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I returned to Alaska from Florida on Thursday, March 2, 2023, to conduct the graveside service and the Memorial service for Katie McLeod.  Katie is a family friend and faithful child of God.  I returned south on Sunday and Monday, March 5 and 6. Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/P6QKdTe1EBQAvk3QA

 

P.P.S. On Tuesday, March 7, Kathy and I took a day trip to Tallulah River Gorge and Falls.  We were visiting Unicoi State Park in Helen, Georgia, with my sister, Martha Reaves, and her husband, Mark, and with my brother, Steve Rockey, and his wife, Lori.  Anyway, here are pictures of Kathy’s and my trip to the Tallulah Gorge and Falls.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lsky51baXjT925W87

 

P.P.P.S.  I did go fishing on the Suwannee River on Wednesday, March 1, before leaving for Alaska on Thursday, March 2.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qXhZf1gFShSNpaNx7

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

 

 

What Do We Do When Our World is a Mess?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What do we do when the world is a mess?  What do we do when our world is in deep trouble?  Do you watch or read the local and national news?  Actually, maybe watching the news is not such a good idea.  I remember in the 1980’s, when the country was in deep recession and jobs were hard to find, hearing that the number one suggestion for finding a job was to NOT watch the news.  News reports focus mainly on troubles, problems, crime, and other bad things.  The point at that time was, if someone refrained from focusing on these depressing reports, their attitude would be more positive, and they could spend more time on pursing gainful employment. 

 

However, we do not want to ignore reality.  I confess that I do read and listen to news reports so that I keep somewhat informed.  Many reports ARE bad news.  As I read today, and as I try to determine what is real, I hear of a horrible rise in crime in the big cities of our country.  I hear of a rejection of God’s plan for the healthy use of His gift of sexuality, and of efforts to share this rejection of God even in the lives of our children.  I hear of political tensions in our country, in our communities, and around the world.  I see church attendance declining, even among those who claim to believe in Jesus.  And, then we have our own personal issues.  My prayer list normally has about 150 entries for family and friends, and for myself, concerning issues of health, issues of personal trouble, and issues of faith.  What do we do when the world is a mess? 

 

First, I believe that God’s children, rather than pointing our fingers at others, need to confess our own part in creating the ills of our world. Paul writes in Romans 3, quoting what the Old Testament says about sin and evil in the world. “10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12 All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." " . . .  23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:10-12, 23) That is why, as we face the evil in our world, repentance is an appropriate response.  What we can do is to ask, “How did I help cause the problem?  How, as a child of God, can I make our world a better place to live?”  After all, we are in the penitential season of Lent! (You might read all of Romans 3:10-23 and consider how the evil which the Bible describes resembles the evil of our day.)

 

However, remember the advice in the 1980’s about focusing on the bad news.  There is another reality, the reality of our Lord’s power and love, a reality we might miss if we focus only on the bad. I was recently re-reading the book, “Keeping the Sabbath Wholly” by Marva Dawn.  As she talks about the Sabbath and embracing the gifts of God, she referred to Psalm 92.  Listen to how the power and righteousness of God stand against the evil in our world.  (Again, it would be helpful to read the whole Psalm, but these verses stand out to me.)  “6 The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. 8 BUT you, O LORD, are exalted forever. 9 For surely your enemies, O LORD, surely your enemies will perish; all evildoers will be scattered. . .  12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; 13 planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, 15 proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."  You see, when the world is a mess, instead of only focusing on the troubles created by sin, we can trust in God. God is with us now and eternally!  Ultimately, all evil and sin will be judged, and God’s people will live in the joy and glory of heaven.  And, in Romans 3, the bad news is, “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” But the good news is found in the next verse. “24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24) So, another way to respond to the mess of our world is FAITH in God, in His power, in His righteousness, in His justice and mercy and love, especially found in Jesus!

 

In that same Psalm I also hear one additional appropriate way to respond to the troubles of this world: WORSHIP!  Listen to the first 5 verses of Psalm 92.  “1 A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, 2 to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, 3 to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. 4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. 5 How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!” Instead of wringing our hands in worry, we can praise and trust God for His victory over evil by His love and righteousness, especially in the saving work of Jesus.

 

What do we do when the world is a mess?  We do NOT bury our heads in the sand.  We do confess our sin. We turn to the Lord and Creator of all and we trust Him and we worship Him, knowing that in Jesus He is already victorious over all the evil we face.

 

A Child of God, Dealing With The Sinful Mess in our World and in Our Lives,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I continue to encourage you to attend worship this Lenten Season, if not in person, then online.  Regular Worship IS a way to fight the evil in our world!

(I preached at First Lutheran in Gainesville, FL on February 26.  I will preach in Soldotna, Sterling, and Funny River, AK, on March 4 and 5.  I am preaching in Chiefland, FL, on March 12, and then again in Gainesville on March 15 and 19.)

 

P.P.S. On Tuesday, February 28, Kathy and I took a day trip to Crescent Beach, FL.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/UmUx77ApaNLjJLpQ9

 

P.P.P.S.  It was a REALLY GOOD week for fishing (and golfing).  I fished on February 22, 24, and 28.

 

·       On Wednesday, February 22, after many home chores I took a quick run to Rodman Reservoir.  Basically, the gnats ate my legs.  L  But, the scenery was beautiful!  Here is a picture. https://photos.app.goo.gl/jVPHY8CjMxrcXtCX8

 

·       On Friday, February 24, I fished at Orange Lake in Cross Creek, FL.  This is a famous Florida bass lake, and it did not disappoint on this day.  I caught 8 bass (keeping the limit of 5), 2 bream, 1 mudfish (bowfin), and miss many others.  I surprised Kathy by coming home early.  The fish do NOT always bite, but when they do J!  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/gdCkVYnBSFJYtD2y9

 

·       On Monday, February 28, after golfing with friends in the morning, I fished at the Wacassassa River.  The winds were blowing, but this is a narrow, tree-lined river.  Sometimes I do well, sometimes not.  On this evening, in 2 hours, I had four bites, caught 3 fish, and missed the BIG ONE.  I also had a talk with a Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer for the second time in a month, which turned out fine, again.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/SpeHj8SKgWDta5P48

 

·       On Tuesday, February 28, Kathy and I went to Crescent Beach, FL.  She read and walked, and I did some fishing.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vdy1smqsoFiPgjL19

 

·       I also golfed on Thursday, February 23 with long-time friend, Pastor Rick Armstong.

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 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)

  

What Are You Giving Up For Lent?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Last year my wife, Kathy, and I attended worship on Ash Wednesday where we received the imposition of ashes.  This practice of ashes imposed on the forehead is an outward sign of sorrow over the sin which darkens our hearts.  After worship, I attended choir practice and Kathy went to the grocery store.  A checker at the store asked Kathy, “What are you giving up for Lent?”

 

Lent is the church season each Spring, extending from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, when many traditional Christians especially focus and meditate upon the suffering and death of Jesus for the sin of the world, for our sin.  The sacrificial death of Jesus for the world is The event which changed the course of history, and continues to be the greatest gift of love recorded.  That the Creator of the universe would die to pay for the sins of His creation is love beyond any expectation or hope.  But, Jesus’ sacrifice is real!  As God inspired the apostle John to write, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1 John 3:16 a)

 

So, if a person sees and believes this ultimate gift of love, how should we respond?  In remembrance and response to Jesus’ suffering and death, Christians have often chosen “give up” something which they enjoy during the season of Lent.  I have heard of friends giving up chocolate, or alcohol, or coffee.  For years our family gave up watching TV shows during Lent.  Sometimes, instead of giving something up, I have heard of Christians adding a faithful practice, such as reading through the New Testament in the season of Lent.  Such self sacrifice, partial fasting, or self-discipline can be a good spiritual exercise, but also comes with some pitfalls.  Giving up something cherished can train our hearts and bodies for the sacrifice required to resist temptation and sin.  It can also remind us of the depth of Jesus’ love that He gave up heaven, and suffered and died for us.  Such growth and self-discipline is good.  Yet, I have often heard people speak of such sacrifices grudgingly, as if this was something I HAD to do, even if I did not want to do so.  Rather than growing in an appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice, we can resent this “requirement” of our faith.  Such practice forgets that God’s love is a free gift – not earned, and forgets what God really wants.

 

In Psalm 51 God tells us how to respond to our sin which is so heinous that He had to send His Son to save us.  “16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16-17)  God wants a changed heart rather than outward observance.

 

What would God then want us to give up, if we give up anything?  Our Lord would call us to refrain from self-righteousness and sinful pride.  God desires that we realize the depth of our selfishness and our sin, and to realize that Jesus is our only hope.  Consider the truth of 1 John 1.  “5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:5-9)  When we confess our sin, our heart turns from self-righteousness.  When we trust that “the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin,” we grow in gratitude for the gracious love of God shown in Jesus, and He forgives us.

 

Lent is a time set aside to intentionally remember our sin, to repent of such sin, which led Jesus to go to the cross, and to wonder in faith and amazement at the love of God who sacrificed for our sin.  It is good to observe the penitential season of Lent, especially as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin, over death, and over Satan, in His resurrection from the dead.  That is why many congregations have extra mid-week Lenten worship services to help in this discipline.

 

I can ask, “What are you giving up for Lent?”  But, more appropriately I ask, “How will you intentionally turn from self-righteousness and sin, to the gracious and merciful love of God found in Jesus?”  That is what Lent is really about. 

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Turn from Self-Righteousness and Sin, to Turn in Amazement and Wonder at the Sacrifice of Jesus!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I encourage you to attend worship this Ash Wednesday, and every week during the Lenten Season, if not in person, then online.  Worship is a godly discipline which helps to change our hearts.

 

P.P.S. On Thursday, February 16, Kathy and I took a day trip to O’Leno State Park in High Springs, FL.  The Santa Fe River flows through the park and then sinks underground.  It rises 4 miles further south.  We walked along the river to the sink, and visited a small museum about the CCC founded under the administration of Franklin Roosevelt.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/w8ZS17UHwhFv9YmD9

 

P.P.P.S.  I did go fishing last week.   

 

·       On Wednesday, February 15, I fished first Harris-Tsala Chain of Lakes and only had 3 bites, so I went visiting. I ultimately fished at the Suwannee and caught a nice fish.

o   Harris-Tsala - https://photos.app.goo.gl/BPxWgF7LVQPAHfzQ6

 

o   Suwannee - https://photos.app.goo.gl/g3QxtcAxFUZ2ZaH5A

 

·       On Saturday, February 18, I fished at on the Suwannee River with my brother, Stephen.  The river was especially swift, and the weather was cool, and very WINDY!  We had a few bites, but caught no fish.  L  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZSnjJnDwESztDdWv8

 

·       On Tuesday, February 21, I went fishing in a favorite lake.  Again, it was VERY WINDY!  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6mTzm42Rb7RTHmiW6

 

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as 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.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the 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

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 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)