Words of Welcome

  Luke 24:44-53 We’re not a patient society. Whether it’s waiting in line at the gas station, grocery store, or TSA, we want to get in and out quickly. Or consider that childhood moment when school is about to let out for summer vacation. It’s hard to be patient when all you can think about are your summertime activities. Every step of the way in life, we face moments when we have to patiently wait for what comes next.   This morning we find ourselves in the closing verses of the Gospel of Luke. In this story, Jesus is about to take his leave from his followers. So, after Jesus shares one last meal with the disciples, he opens the Scriptures and shares how they spoke of his death and resurrection. When he finished with this Bible Study, he commissioned them to proclaim a message of repentance and forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. I found the First Nations Version of this commission revealing. It was foretold that, beginning in the Sacred Villa

  Twenty-Third Psalm by Frank Wesley Revelation 7:9-17 This morning we encounter a great multitude gathered around the throne of God. Once again John of Patmos serves as our eyes and ears, interpreting the scene for us. John sees a crowd of people clothed in white garments and carrying palm branches. One of the elders tells John that this multitude is composed of the saints of God who went through the great ordeal. They’re drawn from every nation and tribe and people and language. Together they declare that “salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” They are accompanied by the angels,  the elders, and the four living creatures. They sing a song of praise to God and to the Lamb: “Blessing and honor and power and might to our God forever and ever! Amen!” What a grand sight this is. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed. If you’re like me and you love to sing the great hymns and songs of the faith, you’ll want to join this heavenly choir. Oh, what a blessin