The Rock Church

Parking Lot Parable

The other day, I ran a quick errand to the grocery store. I pulled into my parking spot, and when I looked up, I noticed two cars near me backing straight into each other! The drivers were looking left and right but not behind them! With a split second to act, I honked my horn loudly without delay. As a result, both cars slammed on their brakes, narrowly averting an accident. 

But I don’t think one of the drivers understood why I honked. After pausing, the driver continued to back out, glaring at me the whole time. I pointed at the other car they had almost hit. However, their facial expression suggested they had no idea why I honked. In fact, my honking had made them pretty angry.

Afterward, I processed this parking lot incident as I walked into the grocery store. I had seen an accident about to happen. And I had done something to prevent it. But the driver who glared at me had no idea why I did what I did. 

Then it hit me. This is a tiny glimpse into the mind of God. 

God sees all of time and space. He not only knows the past, present, and future, but is all-powerful. Additionally, He is our Good Father. But the Lord does things and brings situations into our lives that make no sense (from our earthly perspectives). Along with my own life, I can think of numerous trials and difficulties my friends and family are dealing with. Very hard things.

Truth Speaks

But the Bible repeatedly speaks of the idea that God uses these difficult things for our ultimate good.  So, through tears, these truths speak to us. 

• “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

• “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” — 1 Peter 5:10

• “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12

• “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” — Genesis 50:20

These verses present profound and yet challenging truths. Like the driver who glared at me, we often don’t understand why God has brought this or that trial into our lives. It certainly doesn’t make any sense. Also, it’s very difficult to accept. But faith is trusting that God sees what we don’t and knows what He is doing. Equally important, He is powerful and good. 

So, through tears, we strive to trust and not glare.

Josh

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Lord, I Can Rest Now, I’m Known

The Rock Music has recently released our new EP, “No One Knows Me Like You.” Writing, recording, and playing music for Jesus and the local church is so gratifying. These songs are some that I am most proud of as a musician. At the same time, serving the Lord in this way humbles me. One common theme of this new music (mainly subconsciously) is finding a home in Jesus. And ultimately, a place where He knows me and I can rest in Him. 

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by Caleb Yetton

Misunderstanding

Every once in a while, I get myself into a situation where I know I’ve been misunderstood. There are also times when I realize that I’ve misunderstood what somebody was trying to tell me. We all experience this, don’t we? I was recently struck by a story in Joshua (22:10-34). There was a misunderstanding that could have ended in disaster… if one group of people hadn’t been able to explain themselves to another group.

When Israel was moving into the Promised Land, one group of people were given the land on the East side of the Jordan river. They built “an altar of imposing size.” One that looked identical to the altar God had them build for the Tabernacle. They shouldn’t have done this as it was “unauthorized.” God had been very clear with them when He gave them instructions about where and how He wanted the altar built.

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Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin