This Week at Mt. Olive

Greetings in the name of Jesus, fellow redeemed!

The name of Jesus, now there’s something of a puzzle. I often ask Bible classes who Jesus’ Old Testament namesake is.

Answering that question takes a little bit of digging. Jesus’ name in Aramaic is “Yeshua.” See where this is going? Pushing it a bit farther back into Hebrew, it’s “Yehoshua,” or, as we’ve come to contract it, “Joshua.” That was the book from which the Old Testament lesson was read today.

Picking the name apart, it means, “The Lord delivers.” In the prophet Joshua, there are no end to the episodes in the life of Israel in which that name is fulfilled. Joshua was the one officiating the conquest of Canaan, the promised land. He was the one who commanded Israel to serve the Lord in faithfulness and sincerity just before his death.

As great as the prophet was, his service and his name pointed to an even greater fulfillment of his name. The greater Joshua is, of course, Jesus. He delivers from all, from death, and from the power of the devil. Yet, He delivers by suffering and dying in true innocence, and by shedding His holy, precious blood to cover the multitude of the world’s sins.

In the Old Testament lesson from Joshua 24, Joshua was preparing to die. In Joshua’s words in chapter 24, there is an incredible confidence, but it’s not self-confidence. Joshua is confident in his Lord as he prepares for death.

One of the great misconceptions these days is that the Christian faith is about having a good life. Tell that to the countless martyrs who suffered violently because of their Christian faith.

No, the Christian faith is about having a good death! It’s about knowing your Savior, Jesus Christ, as the One who has delivered you and covered your sins with His blood.

All of us will face the day which Joshua faced, the day of our death. As we face it, we can’t place any confidence in ourselves. Were we ever faithful enough to God? Were we ever sincere enough in our faith or in caring for our neighbor? Confidence in us will simply not deliver.

As we approach the day of death, the greatest confidence is in Christ our Lord. His perfect service, His unquestionable faithfulness, His suffering and death, His holy precious blood cover our sinfulness and, in Christ, there is life everlasting.

As we approach the beginning of another Sunday School year, a Sunday School teachers’ meeting will be held Monday, August 17, at 6 p.m. If you’re a Sunday School teacher or sub, please attend this kick-off meeting.

Jr. Confirmation is about to kick off another year. Those who are going into first and second year confirmation and their parents will need to attend a special meeting on Wednesday, August 18, at 6:30 p.m. At this meeting, we’ll discuss scheduling, curriculum, and expectations.

Following the Jr. Confirmation meeting, those interested are invited for Guitar Worship practice, gearing up for worship on August 30. This practice should go from about 7:35 to about 8:35 p.m.

Also this week, Jr. Youth is hosting a special Game Night on August 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a favorite game and a snack to share and get ready for some fun!

And, this week, the Fellowship Committee is hosting a special Fellowship Night at P.O.E.T.S. restaurant at Saratoga and Everhart, at 7 p.m. We’ll be using a private room, so please give the church office a call if you plan to attend so we’ll have plenty of seating.

Monday, August 24, will be a special planning meeting. Boards and committees and other volunteers are invited to help put together a calendar from September through December. Even if the actual event isn’t decided, a date and sponsor would be a wonderful addition to the calendar. Planning begins at 6:30 p.m. We should be done by 8 p.m.

Rally Day is quickly approaching! This is a great opportunity for rejoicing in the ministry of the Word at Mt. Olive. Look at next week’s This Week message for service opportunities for Rally Day and the meal following Late Service.

I will be out of the office Monday for Jury Duty.

In Christ,
PKJ

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces, especially those deployed (Michael Baker – Iraq, Edwin Rodriguez – Afghanistan, Richard Rhode – North Carolina) and those about to deploy (Andrew Epley – Deysi’s husband, and Athena – John Miller’s niece).
Area teachers who return to work this week, and students as they prepare to return to school
All who live in coastal areas as the hurricane season begins to “ramp up” in intensity
Pastors and confirmands throughout the Church as instruction in the truths of the faith prepares to begin for another year

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, 17 AUG
Sunday School Teachers Meeting, 6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 19 AUG
Confirmation Kick Off Meeting in the Sanctuary, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.
Guitar Worship practice, 7:35 p.m.

Friday, 21 AUG
Game Night, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 22 AUG
Fellowship at P.O.E.T.S., 7 p.m.