Uplook - June 13, 2026
Happy Saturday,
Did you know that tomorrow, June 14 is Flag Day in the United States. In 1777, delegates of the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution which established "the flag of the United States to be 13 stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation" Over the years as states were added to the union the flag shifted in size and proportion but returning to the original 13 stripes which signified the original 13 colonies and the arrangement of the stars growing by one whenever a new state was added to the union up to the current number of 50. (Delaware was the first to ratify the constitution on December 7, 1787 and Hawaii was added on August 21, 1959).
Flags have been used throughout history to designate armies, countries, teams, and a number of other things. In Isaiah 11 The prophet Isaiah uses several metaphors to describe the "root of Jesse" that would be a rod of deliverance to Israel bringing a spirit of wisdom and understanding. He uses a rod, a branch, and finally an ensign or flag to describe this same "root of Jesse" to whom all people including the Gentile will look and to whom he would bring a glorious rest.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, Which shall stand for an ensign of the people; To it shall the Gentiles seek: And his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10
Last evening, I watched the US National Soccer Team play in their first World Cup match of this year. Their uniforms were red, white, and blue...mostly red and white stripes with hints of blue, reflective of our national flag. They scored more goals than in any of their precious World Cup matches and they also won. I don't believe I've ever seen so many American flags outside of a specifically patriotically themed event. It seemed that our country was joined together at least for a brief moment, in unity behind a team and flag which represents all of us. It reminded me of a now famous Olympic hockey game from 1980 now dubbed the "Miracle on Ice".
How I wish that our country and all of the world could find not just a brief moment but a lifetime of unity standing behind the "root of Jesse" whose life was literally lifted like a flag on a cruel Roman cross for our sins. That, dear saints was a victory like none other. You can find a list of the winners of all World Cup games and the final winner of the World Cup for nearly every year since 1930 when it was established but there has only been One who was victorious over death and rose again. The writer of Hebrews describes how holiness is available for all because of what Jesus did.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
This weekend...may we as believers in America not lose sight of the great freedoms we have been afforded by our creator and His unmerited grace. And may we also rejoice and wave with vigor the "ensign" of Jesus who said "if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."
Housekeeping Notes:
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Did you know that tomorrow, June 14 is Flag Day in the United States. In 1777, delegates of the Second Continental Congress adopted a resolution which established "the flag of the United States to be 13 stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation" Over the years as states were added to the union the flag shifted in size and proportion but returning to the original 13 stripes which signified the original 13 colonies and the arrangement of the stars growing by one whenever a new state was added to the union up to the current number of 50. (Delaware was the first to ratify the constitution on December 7, 1787 and Hawaii was added on August 21, 1959).
Flags have been used throughout history to designate armies, countries, teams, and a number of other things. In Isaiah 11 The prophet Isaiah uses several metaphors to describe the "root of Jesse" that would be a rod of deliverance to Israel bringing a spirit of wisdom and understanding. He uses a rod, a branch, and finally an ensign or flag to describe this same "root of Jesse" to whom all people including the Gentile will look and to whom he would bring a glorious rest.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, Which shall stand for an ensign of the people; To it shall the Gentiles seek: And his rest shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:10
Last evening, I watched the US National Soccer Team play in their first World Cup match of this year. Their uniforms were red, white, and blue...mostly red and white stripes with hints of blue, reflective of our national flag. They scored more goals than in any of their precious World Cup matches and they also won. I don't believe I've ever seen so many American flags outside of a specifically patriotically themed event. It seemed that our country was joined together at least for a brief moment, in unity behind a team and flag which represents all of us. It reminded me of a now famous Olympic hockey game from 1980 now dubbed the "Miracle on Ice".
How I wish that our country and all of the world could find not just a brief moment but a lifetime of unity standing behind the "root of Jesse" whose life was literally lifted like a flag on a cruel Roman cross for our sins. That, dear saints was a victory like none other. You can find a list of the winners of all World Cup games and the final winner of the World Cup for nearly every year since 1930 when it was established but there has only been One who was victorious over death and rose again. The writer of Hebrews describes how holiness is available for all because of what Jesus did.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:10
This weekend...may we as believers in America not lose sight of the great freedoms we have been afforded by our creator and His unmerited grace. And may we also rejoice and wave with vigor the "ensign" of Jesus who said "if I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me."
Housekeeping Notes:
- Schedule - June 21 will be our final day of services before Portland Camp meeting. We will be celebrating with our traditional potluck dinner. We will celebrate Father's Day, Three graduates (Joy Ayodeji, Aanuoluwapo (Mercy) Ajayi, and Cirilus Osongo), and also bidding farewell to the Park/Koo family who are moving. Seattle services will resume on July 19.
- Camp/Youth Camp registration - Portland Camp meeting registration must be completed by tomorrow. Youth camp registration deadline is June 21. Please register online but DO NOT PAY Portland directly. Our annual YC carwash is on June 20. We will need to calculate fee amounts so you can all pay on June 21. Thanks for your understanding.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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