Faith & Worship‘The LORD said to Moses, Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.’ Exodus 24:12
Mountains are special places.
I suppose I had better qualify that statement for those of you who are
not natural hill or mountain lovers. Even looked at from a purely geological
viewpoint we owe a lot to the mountains and hills on our planet. Many
are volcanic in origin and during periods of activity in the past (and
present) have brought essential nutrients to the surface from deep within
the earth. Erosion of their surface has produced fertile soil that provides
the means for farmers to grow crops.
The physical barrier that a mountain
range creates affects our weather, bringing much needed rain and the source
of many of our great rivers, which themselves bring the means of life
and sustenance to communities spread often hundreds of miles from high
ground.
The thin and cleaner air found on mountains has meant that nearly all
of the larger astronomical telescopes have been placed there, giving us
increased understanding of the vastness and beauty of our universe.
Climb those hills and mountains if you are physically able to do so. Stand
on the top and look around you; touch the rocks, feel the cool air on
your cheeks, watch that first trickle of water grow as it meets others
and begins to cascade down into the valleys below.
Think about the incredible
forces at work in the earth that could throw up such a massive structure.
Consider a God who not only created but continues to create. Appreciate
the vastness and beauty of the world in which you live from a new and
higher perspective – without the confusion of people, noise, schedules
and demands upon your time.
In the Bible there are numerous examples of mountains being at the centre
of the relationship between God and His people. Moses went up on Sinai
‘The LORD said to Moses, Come up to me on the mountain and stay
here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands
I have written for their instruction.’ Exodus 24:12
Abraham and Isaac were on a mountain in Moriah. Noah, after his famous
voyage found safe anchor on a mountain. Jesus chose high ground (if not
a mountain) to give his famous sermon.
We talk of ‘mountain top’ experiences, a reference no doubt
to Matthew 17 when Jesus took some of his disciples mountain climbing.
‘Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured
before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white
as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah,
talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to
be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters— one for you,
one for Moses and one for Elijah. 5 While he was still speaking, a bright
cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my Son,
whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! 6 When the disciples
heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified.’
How many of us, I wonder have had similar experiences; maybe not on high
places but simply being there in the presence of God in a new and life
transforming place. Of course, mountain climbing, whether physical or
spiritual makes certain demands of us. We need to carry with us only the
bare essentials, freeing ourselves of anything that might hold us back
or weigh us down. We need to lighten our load.
‘…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin
that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked
out for us.’ Hebrews 12:1
We cannot climb to the higher ground to be in the presence of God with
all the attachments and burdens that we carry around on our shoulders,
it is not going to happen. But we should all seek out that mountain or
hill and make the journey, suitably attired of course.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine
flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their
energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
--John Muir
1. Look at the significance of mountains in the Biblical narrative, particularly in stories such as that of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings:19ff. How effective would these encounters have been if they had occurred somewhere other than on a high place?
2. Think of occasions when you have stood on top of a hill or mountain and looked around and down at the surrounding countryside. Would you go so far as to say that for a Christian this is a spiritual moment?
3. Do you look at mountains as barriers separating you from the countryside beyond, or a challenge from which a new perspective on the world can be enjoyed?
Take a moment, close your eyes, imagine yourself on that mountaintop. Breathe deeply and slowly as if taking in the clear cold air. See yourself sitting on the thin ground, cross-legged at the feet of Jesus. Clear your mind, open your mind, listen.
©John Birch · Prayers written by the author may be copied freely for worship. If reproduced elsewhere please acknowledge author/website
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