Mark 10:45

"For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

ransom: lutron - "a means of loosing" (from luo, "to loose")

It's used in the Middle Voice, meaning "to release by paying a ransom price, to redeem." Infact, lutroo signifies deliverance, the actual setting at liberty.

We get caught up in the many rabbit trails of the Christian life and often we even forget one of the most powerful truths about Jesus Himself: He set us free. Free.

In college sports, I tore multiple ligaments in my right knee, forcing me to go from crutches to a cane for a number of months and even through a whole summer. Limping about, creaking and groaning. Stumbling about...

I can then recall the glorious day when I was able to put away the cane and be able to walk on my own two feet once again! Free to do what I was born to do - walk normally.

I can also recall the realization of coming to Jesus and seeing Him do what only He could do - set me free from sin and its grip. I was paid for. I was set free.

And in being set free, I ran back to Him and let Him take over. It's still an incredible freedom.

Back to writing this summer

I'm writing this early in the morning while seated at my classroom desk at the school, enjoying the quiet. It's the last day for all staff - hard to believe the summer is upon us. Yesterday was the final day for the students; a bittersweet day for me. I enjoy my students very much.


Sunday is my birthday, and to celebrate my 52nd year on this earth, I've invited my entire Bible class from the Academy to join me. We have 78 who have RSVP'd to attend and squeeze onto our property this Sunday. This will mean a lot of hot dogs, hamburgers and carbonated beverages will be required - along with a few dozen extra lawn chairs to handle the crowd.

I'll be writing and looking after the household this summer, enjoying the chance to dig into the Scriptures and learn more Koine Greek passages. Jill is excited about the summer months and Julianne is already talking about planting a watermelon patch.

The magnificence and majesty of God! megaleios = majesty .... Luke 9:43 - "And they were all amazed at the greatness of God..." from the word mega, meaning great.

God is good. God is holy.

And indeed, God is majestic!


Please be in prayer for the Zockoll household as we head to a court hearing for Jill's Fibro Myalgia on May 31st. A favorable hearing will give us the needed monies for Jill's medications and care.

Brad Zockoll

School is almost over

We're in exams and it looks like the school year at Grace Christian Academy is just about over. I'll be going back to my writing during the summer - I even have a Summer Writer's Camp in June - and I'll be trying to slow down the pace a bit.

We're going in for the Social Security Administrartion court hearing for Jill's fibro myalgia on May 31st. I cannot tell you how much I would appreciate your prayers on this hearing. The medical help we can receive would be fantastic.

Tonight is Julianne's kindergarten graduation! I will post some pictures of the gala affair later this week. Nicholas is coming back in town to surprise Julie. Grandma and Grampa will be there as well. Peter will also be attending, and I wanted to let you know that he's been saving up to attend L'Abri in the fall. He'll be boarding in England for at least one semester. The best way I can describe it is to let you click on this link and see for yourself: http://www.labri.org/england/index.html In fact, I might recommend it for many of my friends who want to enter into a deeper exploration about God and His truths.

Jill is doing fine and is looking forward to the summer... as well as the repair on our roof and other parts of the house after the hail storm last month. Our gutters are smashed, and so is our outdoor grill, parts of our deck and our outdoor swing. Our roof is going to get a complete overhaul. I'll keep you updated.

So much more to write but I must run....