Standing on and Trusting in THE Rock, Jesus

When I received the call in January of 1991 to serve St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer as pastor, the person to whom I spoke was Pete Probasco. Pete was congregational president and has been a pillar (Galatians 2:9) at St. John since the late 60’s. He is a man of faith and integrity respected by many. Pete is only about 5 years younger than my dad. So, in some ways, Pete has not only been a member of St. John and a partner in ministry for our Lord, Pete has been like a father figure. When Pete speaks, I try to listen.

So, a couple of years ago Pete was rushed to Mat-Su Regional with a health concern that turned better quickly. However, in that initial time of concern and of not knowing what was going on, Pete’s daughter, Emily, indicated her concern in the moment. She understandably wanted her dad to live, for this health scare not to be fatal. She said, “He’s my rock.”

I replied in a way I now think may have been a little harsh. But, I told Emily (as closely as I can remember), “He’s not your rock, Jesus is. And, your dad knows Jesus. Jesus is there for your dad now. And Jesus is with you, and gives you strength.” I understood Emily’s concern. Her dad has been a “rock of faith and love” in the lives of his family, and in the lives of many others. In some ways Pete has been a rock to me. But, we do know that some day we will all be called home. Jesus is our rock now, and eternally.

Peter, the apostle, and many others describe Jesus as our “rock”, our “stone” on which we build.

4 As you come to him, the living Stone-- rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

We cannot trust ourselves for eternity. We have rebelled against God. We have hurt even those we love. All of us are weak and sinful. If we try to stand only on who we are, we fall, because we are not perfect.

But, there is one who is perfect, Jesus Christ, the Son of God who lived a righteous life. This perfect man did not need to die for sin, but He did suffer and die to pay for our failure and our sins. And thankfully, Jesus is stronger than sin and death and He rose again and offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in this “rock”, our Savior.

I say all this because my own dad is dying. He turned 90 last September and has lived by himself until he fell 2 weeks ago. But, this fall has led to confusion, and pneumonia, and the inability to swallow. He has not been able to eat or drink for over a week, and at the recommendation of the doctors my dad was placed in a hospice facility on Monday evening. On Tuesday I learned that the medical staff do not expect my dad to live more than a week.

My brother Stephen posted about my dad on Facebook and it has been interesting to watch the hundreds of responses and comments of support and love. One friend, Margaret Rickers-Hinchey, the wife of Pastor Don Hinchey, who served for a couple of years at my dad’s congregation in Florida wrote,

“Oh my! Bob Rockey has been such a rock for everyone... peace to you all at this challenging time!”

Maybe I am with Emily on this one. My dad has been a “rock” in my life, if not THE Rock. He is a man of faith who lived what he said he believed. Even at 90 he worshiped each week. He spent time daily in devotions. He served in most every position at his church. His name is on the plaque at First Lutheran as president when the current church was completed in 1967. Three of his children became church workers. And, my dad loved his family with equal faith and fervor. Until he gave up his driver’s license in January he has visited my mom’s grave every day since she died in January of 2011. He has been a source of love and an example of faith to all 5 of his children, myself included.

My dad has been asking for my mom, and for his brother. I leave for Florida on Wednesday night with tears at our coming loss, but with assurance that my dad’s Rock is Jesus, and my dad will soon get his wishes to be with my mom and his brother in our Savior’s presence.

Maybe another Facebook post on Wednesday helped point me back to my true Rock. Pete Probasco’s son, Peter J. Probasco, wrote me,

Jonathan my prayers are with you and the Rockey family. Times and decisions like these are very difficult, however as you have always shared with us, it is comforting to know that through God’s grace and love for those who know and accept Jesus as our saviour we rejoice! (Thanks, Peter!)

My dad knows Jesus. He has built his life on The Rock and we have seen Jesus in my dad’s life. I am thankful for my dad’s faith in Jesus, and I pray I can be such an example to those around me.

A Child of God, Standing on and Trusting in THE Rock, Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan