The Rock Weekly – November 16, 2022

  • Wednesday Night Prayer & Worship Service – Tonight at 7:00pm in the CHAPEL
  • Turkey Drive – Bring a Turkey to donate this Sunday or bring to the Food Bank during distribution this Saturday from 9-11am
  • No Wednesday Service next week (instead, join us for the Thanksgiving meal on Thursday)

 

Recognizing God

“But as He (Jesus) came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, He began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace…
They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”
 – Luke 19:41, 42, 44 NLT

After nearly three years of public ministry the people of Jerusalem still didn’t recognize Jesus as God. It broke his heart that they didn’t recognize their own Lord coming to save them. 

The religious leaders of the day thought God would move in a certain way. They were well studied and thought they knew exactly how God would do something. And yet, they missed it entirely. 

This thought, and these verses, were in my heart today as I was reading through Genesis 32; which is the passage about Jacob returning back to his homeland to meet his estranged brother Esau. Toward the end of that chapter there are 10 verses that describe a very strange encounter that Jacob has with God…They wrestle. 

While reading, I imagined how I would have reacted. If someone approached me while I was alone at night and wanted to wrestle, I wouldn’t have asked him for a blessing. I think my natural reaction would have been a lot different. 

But kudos to Jacob. He had every reason to say, “My family has served God for a long time, My grandfather ate a covenant meal with him, and my father was the miraculous seed by which the whole earth would be blessed, and neither of them ever wrestled with God. This clearly isn’t how God works.” 

And yet he didn’t.
Jacob recognized it when God visited him. 

My prayer is that we would be able to recognize God no matter how he comes. Whether it’s the pillar of fire, the small still voice, the burning bush, or the baby in a manger; I hope that we’ll have spiritual eyes to discern what’s of God and what isn’t; and that we don’t judge things from human reasoning. 

Father, send your Holy Spirit to fill us with wisdom and revelation so that we can recognize your movements. Help us not to become arrogant or proud like the Pharisees who actively worked against what you were doing. I pray that we’d have humility to receive you in any way you chose to move.
Amen.

Be blessed this week,
Pastor Andrew and The Rock Staff

 

 

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE & WEEKLY INFORMATION:

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP & PRAYER SERVICE  7:00pm * In-Person & On-Line *
Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

YOUTH ~ BASE CAMP (6th – 12th Grade) – WEDNESDAY NIGHT – 7:00pm
Invite a friend and come have a great time. If you have any questions, email jaden@therock.org

 

EMBER – Young Adults (Ages 18-29) – Friday Nights at 6:30pm
https://www.therock.org/ember/
Meet in the Chapel for a time of worship, prayer, teaching, and connection.

 

FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION – 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month
https://www.therock.org/foodbank/
Email Lindy@therock.org if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

 

SUNDAY MORNING PRE-SERVICE PRAYER  8:15-9:15am – *In-Person & On-line*
ZOOM Direct Video Link:
           https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85340164797?pwd=V0lmWFRRL0R6Tm56QTdRUHNoMWI3QT09
ZOOM Meeting ID: 853 4016 4797
          ZOOM Phone Option +12532158782,,85340164797#

 

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 9:45am  *In-Person & On-line*
           Facebook Live:  https://www.facebook.com/rockchurchco
The Rock Online Livestream:  https://www.therock.org/live/

 

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE  Here are some ways you can partner with The Rock as you practice generosity – our regular tithe/giving, compassion help, missions, and our food bank.  Click on the following link or graphic.  www.therock.org/give

 

Have a Question, Need Prayer, Help, Feel Alone, or Disconnected?

Please email us at family@therock.org and put QUESTION, PRAYER, NEED HELP, or CONNECT ME at the top of your email.