This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Again this week, there were three really great texts for preaching! Of course, it's usually best when the pastor preaches on only one.

Here's the second reading for today, Revelation 5:1-14:
Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. [2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" [3] And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, [4] and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. [5] And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."
[6] And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. [7] And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. [8] And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. [9] And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
[10] and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth."
[11] Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, [12] saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" [13] And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" [14] And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

A Lamb who had been slain, what a picture that must have been for John. But pay attention to the sights and sounds: The Father almighty holds a scroll that, as we would learn in later chapters, contain the unfolding events of calamity and judgment. Problem: There was no one in all creation worthy to open the seven seals on the scroll. That is, there was no one able to bring about the events that would lead up to the Last Day and vindication of God's people until the Lamb who had been slain, who was a corpse and was no alive, appeared in the throne room of the Father. Praise upon praise erupts in the throne room. What a sound!

The other night, I attended a worship service in which many contemporary praise songs were sung. I'm always amazed at these songs because many are, in a phrase, shallow. One particular song kept saying that the Lamb was worthy. Over and over again, those who knew the song sang about the Lamb being worthy. Why is the Lamb worthy? That question was never answered in the song. John answers it in Revelation, though: The Lamb is worthy because He was slain and is now alive! With His blood, the Lamb has ransomed all people! That's why the Lamb is worthy!

The other question that could have been asked was: Of what is the Lamb worthy? Again, the song never answered the question. Again, John answers the question in Revelation: The Lamb is worthy to receive all that the Father has.

By the way, if you're looking for a song that tells these thing, look in Divine Service, Setting 1 in Lutheran Service Book. You'll find the song there.

This week at Mt. Olive the Jr. Youth and some guests from Sr. Youth will be journeying to Garner State Park for a weekend of camping fun. I'm praying that we're kept dry during our time there.

One of the great evangelism invitations in the church is this: Pastor's starting another information class! Truthfully, I'm in the middle of one right now, but I invite you and your friends to attend. We have great questions and discussion. Many life long Lutherans assume they know everything after finishing confirmation, no matter how many years ago that may have been. This is an opportunity for Lutherans, too, as you get to hear and discuss. And, if you're not careful, you just might learn something. The class meets Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the overflow area. Tuesday night's topic: Justification, Worship, and the Creeds.

Don't you just hate exercising alone? I know that question well! Zumba Aerobics meets at Mt. Olive each Monday and Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. And, you won't be alone!

Will I be at Zumba? No - I'm usually involved in something else during those times. But, that doesn't mean Mt. Olive can't start another fitness group, like bicycling. If anyone is "jazzed" about starting a group, send me a blast or give me a call!

Many of you have asked me about Kathy's dad and my aunt. Suffice it to say that I praise God for your concern and your prayers as we go through these difficult times. Thank you, my heavenly Father, for the kingdom of priests at Mt. Olive who are interceding for my family!

Brothers and Sisters, Please Pray:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (preparing for deployment), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Ryan Radtke, Dru Blanc, John Sorensen, Michael Baker (Corpus Christi), William Worley (Kingsville)
Dru Blanc's grandmother, recovering from surgery
Emmet Wright, undergoing tests
The baptized at Mt. Olive, that they may be kept firm in the faith, and kept from the evil one
The pastors of Circuit 27 (our circuit), that they may continue to proclaim faithfully the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and be strengthened to minister to the souls entrusted to their care

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, April 19
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Board of Elders, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20
Pastor's Information Class, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21
San Jacinto Day!
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Philippians 4), 9:30 a.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.
Guitar Worship Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 22
Cub Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
STARC, 7 p.m.

Friday, April 23
Jr. Youth Camping Trip, 4:30 p.m.

God bless!
PKJ