Celebrating that, in the Midst of Our Struggles and Failures, God is Faithful!"

On Sunday, October 26, I had the privilege of preaching for the 65th anniversary of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, FL the congregation which I served from 1983-1991. Actually, later that afternoon, Our Redeemer hosted the Reformation Celebration for the “First Coast Circuit” of the Florida-Georgia District, and my brother, President James Rockey, preached for that event. Both services were joyful celebrations with special music, the return of many former members, and a good attendance. I believe the day was a blessing in many ways. First, we praised God for His love for all people in Jesus. Second, we recognized what God has done in the midst of His people in this area. Kathy and I enjoyed this opportunity and privilege to celebrate with our brothers and sisters in the faith.

I preached on the assigned Epistle lesson for the day from 2 Timothy 4. Perhaps as you read some of these verses you might see a contrast between the joy of celebrating an anniversary, and the trials of Christian service and ministry. For example, while Paul had served selflessly around the Mediterranean, bringing the good news of salvation by faith because of the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, and starting many congregations, he nevertheless writes from prison, near the end of his life. For example, he tells Timothy in verse 6, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7) Celebrations can look at the good times. Nevertheless, serving Jesus can be a battle, a struggle, a fight.

Secondly, in spite of his efforts to share Jesus with others, Paul was often disappointed by fellow believers, even at the end. Consider verse 16. “At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them” (2 Timothy 4:16) Disappointment is real in this sinful world, even when serving the Lord of all.

In truth, part of Paul’s disappointment was in himself. He had originally persecuted God’s church, putting people in prison. And Paul knew the battle with sin and evil. Listen to what he shares with Timothy. “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15) (See also Romans 7:19) If Christian ministry, if serving Jesus, has this many challenges and tribulations, we might wonder why anyone tries. If serving our Savior has this many seeming failures, why would anyone want to follow Jesus?

There is, however, good reason for celebrating. In the midst of our struggles, Jesus is faithful, and HE accomplishes His saving work in the midst of a sinful world and a challenged church.

Paul may have been awaiting death in prison, But He knew the victory of Jesus. “ 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4, 8)

Paul may have been deserted at times, He may have struggled during his service, but the Lord never deserted him. “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.” 2 Timothy 4:17-18a) God strengthened Paul through the struggles of ministry. The Lord strengthens all His children for their walk of faith. Life as a Christian is not easy. But the Lord is an “ever-present help!” (Psalm 46:1) God saved Paul, and He saves all believers, and brings them through the struggle of this life into “His heavenly kingdom.”

When we celebrate milestones, such as the anniversary of a congregation, or even the 500th anniversary of the Reformation which we did observe 8 years ago, we best thank the Lord that HE works His will in spite of, and in the midst of, our sin and our struggles. That is why Paul writes at the end of 2 Timothy 4:18 “To HIM be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

On October 26, as we celebrated the 65th anniversary of Our Redeemer we considered the history of this congregation. It had a great beginning in 1960, but there have been struggles along the way. Yet, 65 years later, God is still good, and He is faithful, and Jesus strengthens His people in this world and saves us for eternal life in heaven. God’s grace and faithfulness and salvation through the years truly are worth celebrating! Yes, we can say with Paul, “To HIM be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

When you have struggled and failed in your life, have you nevertheless seen the love and faithfulness of God?