“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to Him those He wanted, and they came to Him.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
It’s been a few weeks since I wrote Places of Privilege, but I’m still living there. In fact, I scribbled it on the antique note roll that hangs in our kitchen, intent on gratitude over griping.
My scripture readings keep bringing me back to the mountain. In Exodus, Moses is still on the mountain when he hears of the people’s revelry. (Exodus 33) He goes down to deal with them, and then later, back up to hear from God again. What follows is a terrifying and intimate encounter with the Lord. As a result Moses knew God more accurately than any other mere mortal. (Exodus 34) The exchange wasn’t cheap; Moses fasted bread and water for forty days and forty nights. (Exodus 34:26) It seems that he was sustained by the glory of God alone.
Then today in Mark, I encounter the confirmation of the disciples. And where did this New Testament ordination service take place? On a mountainside. The disciples went up before they laid their lives down.
It struck me mid-read; the mountain is a place of separation, impartation and elevation. Let me expound.
Separation: Both Moses and the disciples were called apart from common living and into deeper, more costly relation with God. The mountain was not the singular event of separation, but the starting blocks for a life and ministry marked by divine intimacy.
Impartation: On each mountain, divine knowledge was conveyed. A mortal was given more information about the coming Kingdom then they previously possessed. The classified intelligence would continue to compel them until their dying breath.
Elevation: Every mountain climber was promoted into a position of greater Kingdom responsibility. We note though, the cost of the mountain experience was ongoing. Moses bore the weight of God’s people. The disciples bore the weight of the early church.
The mountaintop seems to be a reinforcement for things to come.
“Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3 NIV)
Lord, we aren’t crazy about high, costly places with You. For most of us, fear is still a factor. Strengthen our spirit man. May our desire eclipse our sense of self-preservation. We realize again, it is a privilege to climb to high places with You. Give us the courage to keep in step with Your divine stride. Amen.