The Rock Church

We All Need a Hushai

One little verse tucked away in the Old Testament has been rolling around in my heart lately:

“…Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend.”— 1 Chronicles 27:33b

Isn’t that description beautiful? Not a big title. No grand exploits mentioned. Just “the king’s friend.” And not just any king. But King David, the man after God’s own heart. Out of all the military leaders, advisors, and warriors surrounding David, Scripture makes a point to name Hushai for one thing: friendship.

Let’s be honest—we all need a Hushai in our lives. Someone who shows up not because they need anything. But, simply because they care. A friend who stands with you in the palace and the wilderness. One who brings joy and tells the truth. Also, one who reminds you of who you are when you start to forget.

David knew the pain of betrayal (remember Ahithophel?). However, he also knew the strength of real friendship. Hushai stuck by him when others turned away (2 Samuel 15). Additionally, his loyalty helped preserve the kingdom.

Friendship is not a bonus—it’s a lifeline. In Proverbs 17:17, we read: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” And the greatest friend of all? Of course, it’s always Jesus.

Your Friend Jesus

Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants… instead, I have called you friends” (John 15:15). He doesn’t just save us. On the contrary, He walks with us and listens to us. Along with that, He rejoices and weeps with us. That’s the kind of friend He is. And He invites us to be that kind of friend to others.

So, let me ask you something. “Who’s your Hushai? And who are you being a Hushai to?”

Let’s be intentional today. Text a friend. Invite someone for coffee. Open up. Listen well. Laugh hard. Cry if you need to. Pray together. Don’t do life alone.

Without question, we were made for friendship. Even kings need them. And so do we.

Your friend,

Pastor Bill

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Jesus Saves

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

With Christmas just a couple weeks away, I’ve been contemplating eternal matters. I’d like to share two different true stories that I experienced a few years ago. They are similar stories but have different endings. Both accounts involve funerals. One involved someone I’d never met, the other a dear friend.

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Jesus in the Middle

As a pastor, I am for sure not immune to feeling overwhelmed by difficulties. Also, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, life can sometimes make me feel like I’m drowning.

Perhaps the disciples felt this way. In fact, in the gospels of John, Mark, and Matthew, we are told how these fishers of men were overwhelmed with fear at the sight of their teacher walking on water through a storm. As a result, it says they were “terrified” because they thought they saw a ghost!

Isn’t it good to know we are not the only ones who experience fear and anxiety?

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by The Rock Church

Online Services Only This Weekend (March 27 & 28)

Important COVID Update

Attention Rock Church Family,

With the goal of keeping you informed, we wanted to notify you that yesterday (March 25), we became aware of six people who have tested positive for COVID-19. They were in attendance at church on Saturday, March 20. At the time of that church service, these individuals were not showing any symptoms of infection. They all wore masks during the service, when they were unable to social distance.

Posted in News by The Rock Church

Where Is Your Hope?

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.”-1 Corinthians 15:19 (NIV84)

This week, one of my dear friend’s son died suddenly and unexpectantly. He was only 24 years old. It is going to be a really rough week for many dear saints. I feel a bit shaken and found myself trying to get my head around the fact that this young child of God is now… gone. I am praying for God to supernaturally comfort the families involved.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

You Give Them Something

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. – Matthew 14:15-21 (NIV84)

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Jesus Is Savior

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)

With Christmas less than a week away, I’ve been contemplating eternal matters. I’d like to share two different stories with you. They’re both true. They are similar stories, but have different endings. Both accounts involve funerals. One involved someone I’ve never met, the other one was a dear friend.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Jesus Is Born

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

Christmas is just days away. It’s supposed to be a time of celebration and joy — a time of peace. In the world we live in, however, the joy of Christmas can be hard to imagine. We live in the midst of church shootings, mass murders, suicide bombers, social unrest, and threats of nuclear war.

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

What Have You Made Today?

“But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” — Hebrews 1:2 (NIV84)

The universe is HUGE. It’s way bigger than we can visualize. To even try and imagine how big it is, place a penny in front of you. If our sun was the size of that penny, the nearest star, Alpha Centauri, would be 350 miles away. For us in Salt Lake City, that would take us all the way to Las Vegas (as the crow flies)!

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin

Sheep Herding

“Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” — Acts 16:6-10 (NIV84)

(more…)

Posted in A Word from the Pastor by admin