Articles
Jesus and Mountains
Something interesting we find in the gospels are the different notable occasions that took place on a mountain.
The "Sermon on the Mount" of Mattthew 5-7 was a message given by Jesus on a mountain (Matthew 5:1). When He chose His apostles He was on a mountain (Mark 3:13). Jesus spent an evening in prayer on a mountain (Matt. 14:23). When Jesus was transfigured, displaying His glory before Peter, James, and John, He was on a mountain (Matthew 17:1). When Jesus was giving a difficult teaching concerning the fate of Jerusalem, He and His apostles were sitting on a mountain, almost as if looking over the city as a visual illustration of His message (Mark 13:3). This would be the same setting Jesus would choose for a time of prayer and reflection before His arrest and crucifixion (Mark 14:26). It was on a hill outside of Jerusalem, Calvary, where the Son of God, the One who spoke the mountains into existence, was slain for the sins of the world.
It's interesting to me that the creator of the world made a habit of traveling up on the mountain.
Memorable events in God's story took place on top of mountains. Abraham went to offer his son on a mountain in Moriah (Genesis 22). Moses received the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20). Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Isaiah prophecies of a mighty mountain, exalted above all others, to which all the nations will come.
Many who have climbed mountains have expressed the feeling of being closer to God. It could be that the higher we ascend on earth's mountains, the further we distance ourselves from the world's distractions. Scaling those great heights we find ourselves surrounded by the grandeur of God's creation, hearing nothing but the beating of our heart and our heavy breaths, as we endure the steep climb. It is there we can better meet our God, not in some kind of mystical, emotional, supernatural sensation. Rather when we separate ourselves from the endless distractions of the world and surround ourselves with the beauty of God's creation, we allow for ourselves a moment of uninterrupted focus on the almighty.
We need more of this. Maybe not driving to a literal mountain and climbing it, but time in silence with God. Time away from the noise of everyday demands. Maybe a bench in a park. Maybe a hill overlooking your city. Maybe a trail you can walk, or sitting in the night's sky overlooking the stars. We need that kind of time in our life. Time to devote our thoughts and our words to Christ. Time to rearrange our hearts and our our priorities to their proper focus - Christ's Kingdom (Matt. 6:33).
Do you have a place you can go? Have you spent time alone with God lately? Make some time this week. Find a place where you can take in the splendor of God's creation, be reminded of God's power and majesty - a place where you can purely focus on your God. Climb your mountain.
