GENESIS 22:2. “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS. Men and women strain and stretch, training relentlessly to make themselves fit – to climb a mountain. Deep breaths, lungs forced to enlarge to contain the priceless commodity available to all – rarified air. Leg muscles growing larger and more flexible to take sure steps in places seldom trod – high ground. Heart beating stronger and stronger under pressure to work in climates where God dwells – mountains.
Seven high mountains – one on each continent, silently challenge men to feats unknown – the peaks. Cost is no consideration, for fame and pride beckon with outstretched hands – it’s worth the effort. Risks of life and health loom ahead and bodies lie strewn and frozen – unburied – and are passed by. This is important because it all depends on me – my mind, my heart, my soul, my self – I did it.
Overlooked and often efforts of mind and heart and soul are scorned – mountains of God’s choice. But to those of faith and love and hope, they are “the place;” – God said and life plans are changed. On those high points of air permeated with the presence of the Most High God – acts of faith. Not watched or reported by those who live for the sensational, but watched by angels – and God.
With feet that followed hard after God, placed with sure steps of divine approval – they climb the mountain. Not self-exalted in any way, but the faith-walk of those who believe God knows best – going together. Burdens borne but not for survival, rather burdens borne, for obedience has its costs – fire and wood. The peak is gained, but built higher yet by human hands: stone on stone reaches God’s heart – an altar.
Lower than the high peaks of man’s attention are the high mountain where man meets God – with love. The greatest gift to give is that which reaches deepest in the soul of hopes and dreams – and promises. In faith based on intimacy and knowledge, a hand rises, laden with death and resurrection – a knife. Death to self, and tender hearted – he acts with confidence, full trust – he has lived on higher ground.
One dare not hesitate on peaks of mountains where the air is pure but sparse – there’s more than one. Moriah’s peak brought the voice of God to one whose faith was tested to the full – the promise stands. On Sinai’s blazing heights the voice of righteousness and law sounded loud – and men trembled. On Calvary’s brow no voice resounded from the highest heaven, is God dead? – No! God speaks – “FINISHED!”
The mountains of God’s choice, where from time to time He meets with man are filled – celestial air. We’re able on the table-lands of Beulah to see for miles around and know above the sin – there’s God. He bids us live and work and love and worship and learn on the mountains of His choosing – as sons. Promise, righteousness, forgiveness and views of coming glory we see on the mountains of God – and look for COMING GLORY!
"O Father God, the times and places of meeting seem to be more precious with each passing day. I may be getting sentimental, but I really do not want to go down off this mountain. I would like to stay here where the relief of confession is still strong; where the joy of communion can be deeply breathed; where eternal reality is not just a “ meeting-word” but clarifies all that is going on in the shadows down below. On this holy ground I worship Thee with joy and a full heart. Amen.”