Mountaintop experience
While the Israelites were in the land of Moab east of the Jordan River, Moses carefully explained the Lord’s instructions as follows. “When we were at Mount Sinai, the Lord our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on. Deuteronomy 1:5-7 From the text, God told the Israelites that it was time for them to live Mount Sinai and take the road that will bring them to Promised Land. God told them that they have stayed at this mountain long enough. This was where Moses experienced the glory of God (see Exodus 24). This was where God established His covenant with them when the law was given. They were in awe when the place was covered with fire and smoke, lightning flashed, and a loud trumpet sound was heard (see Exodus 19:16-25). What an incredible experience it was that the Israelites were tempted just to remain in such place with such experience. They were given a sight to behold that assured them of God’s power and presence. But they have to live the place for God has a plan for them. They were rescued from Egyptian bondage and became His people not to settle around a mountain but to take the journey God provided for them. God allowed them to have a mountaintop experience so that when they go down to the valley, they will continue to marvel in His working through their lives. Peter as well had the same tendency when he, John and James were invited by the Lord Jesus Christ to go with Him to pray. They went to a mountain and there they saw the transformation that happened to the Lord Jesus Christ and the appearance of Moses and Elijah (see Luke 9:28-36). Then Peter made an interesting response to the event: “Peter, not even knowing what he was saying, blurted out, “Master, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials” (Luke 9:33). Again, there was this temptation to stay being inspired by a mountaintop experience and missed out on the relevance of such experience to one’s daily life. Times alone with God in His word, in prayer, and in fellowship with fellow believers are opportunities for mountaintop experience. He allows us to bask in our encounter with Him so that we will be prepared to set ourselves to walk with Him as we face the life He prepares for us each day. At times, the journey will bring us to valleys where we encounter difficult challenges that allow us to experience His presence. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Mountaintop experiences prepare us for the battle that awaits us in the valley below.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman www.my-wbc.com
Recent sermon uploaded at YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQdlU21ggHg
