Uplook - June 6, 2026
Happy Saturday,
In true Seattle fashion the day began overcast and drizzly but has finished with billowy clouds, blue sky, and sunshine. Thank you for your patience in my skipping of an Uplook for last week since we were traveling. We were privileged to attend the High School graduation of our oldest granddaughter. It was a joyous time and we were happy to have been there (even with airport travel issues again).
We've also been hearing a lot about the upcoming FIFA World Cup soccer matches to be held in Seattle. For those of you who are not soccer fans, FIFA is the governing body which schedules soccer matches around the world. By the way, the balance of the world does not call this sport soccer, but rather football which is quite confusing for us Americans. Nearly 750,000 visitors are expected to visit Seattle between the first (June 15) and last (July 6) of six games held here. Of those games, the USA National team will play here in two of the six games. Fortunately for us, none of the scheduled games fall on church dates although the increased number of people in general will certainly affect traffic in general.
Considering such a crowd reminded me of a scripture describing what the Apostle John saw and then recorded in the Revelation.
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 7:9–12
During the next few weeks frenzied crowds will shout "Ole" along with a number of other cheers for the teams of their choice. At the end of each game, there will be winners and losers. Winners will advance until at some point there will be only one team left. Those that supported that team will be overjoyed but many more saddened. In both cases, however, they will start the process all over again as this happens every four years.
The event recorded by John the Beloved above will happen only once in the history of all humanity. An innumerable multitude from across nation, culture, continent, and time who have been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus and had their sins forgiven will join together, clothed in white, waving palms and shouting a glorious message. "Salvation to our God which sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb."
That we all will be present on that day is my heart's desire for each of us and for those we love and can influence. All are invited and none need to walk away disappointed or excluded on that day as salvation has been offered to the whosoever will.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
In true Seattle fashion the day began overcast and drizzly but has finished with billowy clouds, blue sky, and sunshine. Thank you for your patience in my skipping of an Uplook for last week since we were traveling. We were privileged to attend the High School graduation of our oldest granddaughter. It was a joyous time and we were happy to have been there (even with airport travel issues again).
We've also been hearing a lot about the upcoming FIFA World Cup soccer matches to be held in Seattle. For those of you who are not soccer fans, FIFA is the governing body which schedules soccer matches around the world. By the way, the balance of the world does not call this sport soccer, but rather football which is quite confusing for us Americans. Nearly 750,000 visitors are expected to visit Seattle between the first (June 15) and last (July 6) of six games held here. Of those games, the USA National team will play here in two of the six games. Fortunately for us, none of the scheduled games fall on church dates although the increased number of people in general will certainly affect traffic in general.
Considering such a crowd reminded me of a scripture describing what the Apostle John saw and then recorded in the Revelation.
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen." Revelation 7:9–12
During the next few weeks frenzied crowds will shout "Ole" along with a number of other cheers for the teams of their choice. At the end of each game, there will be winners and losers. Winners will advance until at some point there will be only one team left. Those that supported that team will be overjoyed but many more saddened. In both cases, however, they will start the process all over again as this happens every four years.
The event recorded by John the Beloved above will happen only once in the history of all humanity. An innumerable multitude from across nation, culture, continent, and time who have been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus and had their sins forgiven will join together, clothed in white, waving palms and shouting a glorious message. "Salvation to our God which sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb."
That we all will be present on that day is my heart's desire for each of us and for those we love and can influence. All are invited and none need to walk away disappointed or excluded on that day as salvation has been offered to the whosoever will.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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