David Briscoe is a content editor at Lifeway for Explore the Bible resources. Shes still not sure whats she supposed to do with what shes learning, and now shes in her own personal waiting period trusting God to clarify her next move. The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. Like the testing of Abraham ( Genesis 22:1-19 ), the receiving of the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 19-20:21) and, of course, the transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-13 ). God's benevolence stretches this description to the breaking point. One of the authors of the book, Sharon Swing says, Listening is the art of creating space so God can do His work in the heart of another., This time in Atlanta was a follow-up to similar work I did in Dallas two years ago. 17:4). That had to be a long six days. The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Moses is a prime example of this. How can we reach this mountaintop?. CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. We learned this word in school, a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis, that caterpillar wraps a cocoon around itself and goes through the process of change. Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. Moses had asked to see Gods glory, and only got to see the backside of God as he passed by. Became pastor of the church in Jerusalem, and was martyred for Preaching Jesus. There were many heartaches and tears shed over painful relationships with family members and close friends which were also part of the pile. Herod asked about Jesus, who is this I hear such things about? A glorious, spiritual experience where you were alone with Jesus and your soul was lifted above this old world, and you got a taste of heaven. On one day, we drove to the top of the mountains on Trail Ridge Road that cuts right through Rocky Mountain National Park peaking at an elevation of 12,000 feet - a literal arctic tundra in northern Colorado. We must take what weve learned and processed, allowing it to change us. IN THE BOREDOM AND PAIN OF IT NO LESS THAN IN THE EXCITEMENT, AND GLADNESS: TOUCH, TASTE, SMELL YOUR WAY TO THE HOLY, BECAUSE IN THE LAST ANALYSIS, ALL MOMENTS, ARE KEY MOMENTS AND ALL OF LIFE ITSELF IS GRACE. After hearing those commandments, Moses came back down the mountain and reported to the Israelites all that God had said to him. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. He has performed miracle after miracle and, in that mountaintop experience, my blinded eyes were healed. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. I found myself late every afternoon sitting and simply meditating on the mountains, remembering what it was like to be on top of them and giving thanks for their ancient and imposing beauty. Maybe it was getting married or having children. But make no mistake Jesus was the unrivalled son of God. Yes, he would soon be nailed to a cross. b : an elongated ridge 2 a : a great mass a mountain of a man E. K. Brown b : a vast number or quantity a mountain of mail a mountain of debt Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. But sitting each day in the shadow of the mountains made me wonder how we can find better ways to continue to connect with and draw inspiration from those brief moments when we have been on the mountain - meditating on the scripture or hymns that remind us of our mountain top experiences, bringing images back with us from our spiritual mountain tops and keeping them in places that call to mind our moments on the mountain. There we can change the world and share Gods love and faithfulness that is as stolid as the mountains.We come down from the mountaintop because very few people are there. This often propels us into a greater service for God. For once weve faced them head on, then well have a better understanding of what to do next. And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. Yes it was temporary eclipsed by the cross, but they remember it after the resurrection and they spoke about it for the rest of their lives. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. The training notes 'Mountain-Top 4 Wheel Driving or reflections on over 40 years of mistakes in the Victorian high country' is a 44-page booklet covering 'Getting the Right Gear', 'Tackling Tough Trails' and 'Touring Tips'. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John accompanied Jesus one day up on a high mountain (Matt. You respond in Worship, praise, awe, thanksgiving, tears, and joy!! I walked down that mountain with a fresh, new fear for the Lord and new readiness to serve Him and only Him. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. Like if you take one step forward you will fall endlessly and helplessly. Think of those wonderfully cheesy G.I. As we walked onto a short trail through the snow and frozen ground, Owen remarked that it must be a strange job to drive to the top of a mountain and talk with thousands of visitors who pass through the center every day - like an environmental guru waiting at the peak for travelers to come seeking knowledge and insight. We are to listen to no voice that contradicts his voice, his word! Yet over time we go back to normal life. The saved are in glory, this life is one of suffering and humiliation for the saints. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. Amen, we all agree with that; to be on the mountain top in the presence of Jesus and to see His glory! They knew a lot about Jesus; but on that mountaintop they. Life is a continually ascending and descending in our religious experiences. One of the principles of listening to God speak through scripture is that you should notice what causes you to resist as well as resonate. while Peter is still talking; God interrupts Peters speech. Like you thought you grasped the concept of our large world, but then you realize its more incredible than you believed it to be. And minds that were already spinning are now completely blown. The distinction between the two is clear (now). But as great as those experiences are, there not the greatest experiences of my life. Our future includes a great change- corruption-incorruption; mortal- immortal. Built a tabernacle of PRAISE for Jesus alone in your heart! encourage them and help them in the days ahead. And we forget the promises we made to our Holy God in the midst of that mountain top experience. The mountain top experience was a sanctuary, and a challenge. First things first, don't be afraid to talk openly about mountain top experiences with your students. tain maun-tn often attributive Synonyms of mountain 1 a : a landmass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill The sun set behind the mountains. when we meet with Jesus, and he reveals himself to us. TheLordis your keeper;theLordis your shade at your right hand. Since the first reported successful climb of that 29,000-foot peak in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, more than four thousand different individuals have experienced the thrill. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. In any case, whenever something really wonderful happens to us, our excitement causes us to view it as one of lifes mountaintop experiences. To experience Christ in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains. In the Bible, mountains are often the places where God encounters His people, changes their lives, and sends them back down to the world with a prophetic message. It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, Come, lets go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. That is what happens to Peter, James and John on that mountain. And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. They were catching a glimpse of the glory that God would reveal in Jesus Christ in the future. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. Yes it is, it is good to be in the presence of Jesus, it is good to be in good company, Moses, Elijah, James and John. Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. Now, even though Joanis Listen to Your Life conference in Atlanta took place in the suburbs rather than on top of nearby Stone Mountain (which is where, by the way, I proposed to Joani), she still refers to the conference as a mountaintop experience. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. At those times, we receive revelation and teaching from God. Frankly, I cant imagine being stuck in a dense mountain fog for six days with absolutely nothing to do but look at the fog! All Rights Reserved. I suddenly gained a perspective about life I had never had up until that moment. The aspect of a beautiful mountaintop experience has a whole new meaning when you realize that it does not matter what the mountain is made of. Running Together: Evening Worship at 5:00. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. How do we come down the mountain and begin living normal life while holding onto what weve learned? If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. DISC Certification, Speaker Boot Camp etc. It was simply a huge heap of stuff (both good and bad) that he had climbed up in order to get to where he was. Things may not be the way you want them to be right now, but as long as you do the next right thing and move in a positive direction, you will continue to learn and grow. Moses who represents those who die; and Elijah who represent those who are caught up and never die; will both see Jesus in his glory! (Mark 9:2-3 ESV) Jesus takes his inner circle to a mountain with him and they experience a "God thing." It was something unlike anything they had ever seen. Apart from Jesus they fail miserably in dealing with the demon. Of course, except for Jesus, even people who undergo mountaintop transformations remain flawed. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. Living on a spiritual high all the time would make for an exhausting life, but there are lessons we can take from each moment and implant them into our routines. Unfortunately, busy schedules can interfere with reading time. As Christians, when we know what we have, we never want to leave the mountain of God. The Holy Spirit really works through the sacrament of baptism. And dont forget that Jesus didnt make a move until he had spent his own forty days and night on top of a mountain, and thirty years plying his trade as a carpenter before that. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. I'm sure you have left over hot chocolate from November and December, so it's time to finish them off. SEE IT FOR THE FATHOMLESS MYSTERY THAT IT IS. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. Old truths and new stories of the Appalachian experience. Jesus would rise in a glorified body, ascend to heaven and sit on the right hand of the throne of God. This meditation allows us to digest the revelation so we can be more effective ambassadors for Christ. Many of us have walked through our own mountain top experience. A time when you just felt like Gods Spirit was all over you, and around you, and joy filled your heart, and you just felt like you were going to bust! The one time I climbed a mountain of any size, I was amazed at how long I enjoyed spending time just looking at the view in the distance, enjoying the air, and experiencing the warm sun. Instead of presenting a contrast of experiences, Peter presents a parallel. Copyright 2023, Good Faith Media | Site by, Lincoln Lessons: Real Church, Real Theology, New GFM Podcast on Race, Religion and Politics Drops in, Five Things to Listen for in Raceless Gospel Podcast. Recently, when I was complaining to a friend about waiting for God to do something, this spiritually wise person noted that God almost never hurries. With this idea, though, one final observation must be made. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. What we should do is go back every now and then to the memories, the journal entries, the conversations. But as Jesus and his inner circle stood on that mountain the Shekinah glory cloud overshadowed them. You come down from the mountaintop ready for a changed life. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. Mountains typically have steep slopes and are understood to be. Christianity is living a life of obedience to Jesus! every Bible should be bound and shoe leather. Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. I'd love to go mountain - climbing. And as we immerse our lives in the majestic glory of the Word of God, we never need to. Sinai. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. So what next? A good book on a rainy day or with calming music is a wonderful way to take a break from the responsibilities of life and escape into another world. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach Jesus. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Jesus Christ, furthering His kingdom, and bringing glory to God through it all. Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. That is how we need to look at our daily issues. They didn't last for years. Some people need to journal each moment while still on the mountain. Moses climbing Mt. Have you ever witnessed an altar call? No one deserves worship but Jesus! This works in making work more enjoyable too. Lastly, the best part is the toppings. I wasnt so eager to leave the mountaintop. about evangelism. We experience gratitude most naturally and intensely when a giver (1) unpredictably and (2) at cost to him- or herself (3) transfers to our full possession (4) a benefit that pleases us. But those were all just moments. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. Both these men had talked with God on mountaintops before. Jesus climbing to the top of a mountain not to receive, but to give a new interpretation and understanding of those laws shaping our communal life together as Christians through the Sermon on the Mount. This was the glory of God that had been veiled by his human flesh shining through. Mix it up using almond or coconut milk. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. He reflected on the massive amount of time, effort and energy it took to reach the specific goals that he had laid out for his life. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. And you will walk away changed!. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the sensation of inexplicable awe. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of God's reality. He will not let your foot be moved;he who keeps you will not slumber. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? The only way to properly do this is to be comfortable, because why relax when you could relax? The sun shall not strike you byday,nor the moon by night. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) and is alluded to in Johns Gospel (John 1:14) as well as in 2 Peter 1:16-18 underscores that Peter, James, and John never forgot their trip with Jesus up on the mountain. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. Just as the disciples heard the Word on the mountain (2 Pet. Moses was reflecting the glory of God because he had been in the presence of God; that is something we all should do! , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. the cloud which covered the Tabernacle with Gods glory. Check out my Recommended Resources list. The words of Psalm 121 came to my mind each afternoon gazing upon the mountains, and they are what I expect will be transporting me back there over the next several months. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. Amen. On the days when I find myself worrying about temporary issues I need to take a step back and look at life as if I was looking at the world from a mountaintop. And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? the law and the prophets. This is the walk Jesus makes of his life. In other words, the fulfillment of the Messiahs mission of salvation was nearer than the three disciplesknew. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! But as Jesus might say, We cant work effectively for God in the valley until we have been transformed spiritually with God on the mountain. Sinai still a third time because he shattered the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments upon hearing that the Israelites had manufactured and worshiped a golden calf in his absence. When you looked at Jesus he was a common, ordinary Jew-, YET Jesus Christ was much more than a common man when he walked on this earth. The High Mountain became the Holy Mountain because he saw the glory of Jesus there! Confront the Danger. Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? And then there was Jesus. But Jesus saves the day, and then sends his disciples on deeper into the valley, urging them to have the kind of faith that can move mountains, because they were just on one. It is a high point in your life when youre with Gods people and Jesus in his glory shows up! Yes, I was on a literal mountaintop, but I am talking about a biblical mountaintop experience. On this mountaintop; theyre going to see who Jesus is; theyre going to see the glory of the son of God; theyre going to hear the voice of God as he says this is my beloved son. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. died on Mt. Keep reading Matthew 17 and youll see that during their descent from the mountain the disciples have a frightening encounter with a demon from hell. But, before we get into the prophetic message, lets look at the importance of the mountaintop experience.The mountaintop experience is something many Christians seek after. All rights reserved. I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. The glory of God shines the brightest with the topic of conversation is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ! This one might seem obvious, but what if I told you that having a cup of hot cocoa is more than chocolate powder in warm milk? There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. Afterwards, we go back into the valleys where we live our lives. The people live in the valleys. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Theres only one place to meet with God; only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus! Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. We recognize that many of us will not have the privilege to live our lives on the top of a mountain, whether literally or figuratively. On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. I doubt any of us will go there. mountaintop synonyms, mountaintop pronunciation, mountaintop translation, English dictionary definition of mountaintop. There closeness to Jesus is connected to Prayer! The glory cloud was a sign that Jesus was Gods dwelling place on earth, Jesus was the Mercy seat, he alone provides salvation and forgiveness! But then, out of nowhere, God's presence became real to them. He has it all in control. I love to see groups of people work together and everyone succeed. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. Under his feet lay challenge after challenge that he had encountered along the way in his business and personal life. Questions for further thought: Where and when have you been overwhelmed by a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you on the cross? Lead me to those where the harvest is ready, for I am Your willing laborer.In Jesus name I pray, Amen. The word, . In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. There is an actual valley connected to rough times and depression in Psalm 23, known as the shadow of death, that is outside of Jericho in Israel. -The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the light thereof. Tabor. Did you notice that Joani is in a waiting period after her time on the mountain? But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top experience! Did we really experience change? He fulfilled what the. for a mountain-top experiences is that you will: Jesus was not alone on the mountain, two famous men from the Old Testament show up. Don't start to rationalize it, no matter how unbelievable it may sound to some. At first they were deathly afraid of what they had seenwho wouldnt be!? MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . Thats why he wanted to build dwellings or booths on top of Mt. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says its Mt. Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. Wood burning fireplace, gas grill, washer and dryer, central heat. I call them mountain-top experiences! Moses and Elijah had disappeared, the voice of the Father was silent, and the three disciples saw only Jesus! Sinai again and again to commune with God and to better understand not just the essential laws for the life of the community, but the rhythms and cycles of what their covenantal life together will be like in the Promised Land. 2023. Full kitchen, with cookware and dinnerware, dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, full fridge, coffeemaker. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! TheLordwill keepyour going out and your cominginfrom this time on and for evermore. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. You have your hot chocolate made, playlist downloaded, movie set and books chosen. The Mountaintop Experience. V:31-Which he would accomplish at Jerusalem. Horeb, which is described in the bible as the mountain of God. Later, Moses will climb Mt. The Apostle who once fell at Jesus knees upon a miracle of Christ (Luke 5:1-11) now offers His skill in tent-making to the transfigured Messiah (Matt. We stayed just outside the park, in full view of the snow-topped mountain range. This past week we spent our vacation at the base of the Rocky Mountains and went into the National Park each day to climb this mountain or that mountain - all reasonable morning hikes. You will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. But God never intended for us to live there. This will make any chill session that much more enjoyable. Finally, one day he reached the top of his mountain. First, unlike other benefactors, God is unwaveringly benevolent. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. There we will walk in His paths and will be taught His ways. For instruction and revelation will come out from Mountaintop Worship Center. Like the testing of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-19), the receiving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20:21) and, of course, the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13). Still, nearly a thousand people everyyear train vigorously, pay steep fees, and make the trip to south Asia for the opportunityto enjoy an ultimate mountaintop experience. Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. Yet, if we keep going and if we keep climbing, the sum total of all those experiences will keep us moving upward in the right direction. Nebo, and God buried him in a grave known only to God. This past week I attended a two day conference in Atlanta for facilitators of a program called Listen to Your Life.