The Whole of the Journey
09/07/10
The LORD our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: "'You have dwelt long enough at this mountain." (Deuteronomy 1:6)
There are times in your relationship with Christ that you wish would never end. It might be a time of spiritual renewal that you wish could go on indefinitely. Perhaps it is seeing God at work in your life and his blessings are being poured out on you. Maybe it is simply a devotion time in which God speaks powerfully through his word and the Holy Spirit. Those are the times that renew, encourage and strengthen you for the journey.
If God allowed us to live on the “mountaintop,” we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. How could the Israelites proclaim to the other nations that Yahweh was indeed God Almighty if they stayed at the mountain? How could they enter the promised land if they stayed at the mountain?
The Israelites gathered at the base of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law. This was a very powerful experience for God’s people. Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo! The ground at the foot of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19:16–25).
These encounters with God are important but God doesn’t intend for us to stay at the mountain of renewal. As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord did not rescue them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness. The Lord did not bring them out of Egypt for them to sing Christian praise songs around the campfire forever. God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land. God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan. Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain; it was time to take the promised land.
The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp. Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. But their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt. 17:4, 14–18). There are times when you need spiritual renewal and God delights in you spending time with Him. He will refresh you for the journey. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting. You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the journey and challenges that await you.
There are people in your life that may need encouraging. Some may be struggling with a life issue and need some direction. Others may need to know that Christ really does love them and wants to give them a new life. But you cannot influence anyone if you stay at the mountain of renewal. God tells us that as we go through life we are to be attentive to those he puts in our path. God will renew you so you will be able to manage life and become his hands and feet to others who are bruised and broken. God has graciously placed you in their life at this strategic moment for you to share His love and mercy with them.
Take time each day to read God’s word and pray. Spend time in God’s presence. Then you will be ready for the assignments God will give you. You will be prepared to share God’s love with those who you interact with today. Many people today are struggling and need to know someone cares. You have been to the mountain of God for renewal. Now it’s time to go into the valley and live for God In doing so you will become the hands and feet of Christ to someone in need.
There are times in your relationship with Christ that you wish would never end. It might be a time of spiritual renewal that you wish could go on indefinitely. Perhaps it is seeing God at work in your life and his blessings are being poured out on you. Maybe it is simply a devotion time in which God speaks powerfully through his word and the Holy Spirit. Those are the times that renew, encourage and strengthen you for the journey.
If God allowed us to live on the “mountaintop,” we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. How could the Israelites proclaim to the other nations that Yahweh was indeed God Almighty if they stayed at the mountain? How could they enter the promised land if they stayed at the mountain?
The Israelites gathered at the base of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law. This was a very powerful experience for God’s people. Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo! The ground at the foot of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19:16–25).
These encounters with God are important but God doesn’t intend for us to stay at the mountain of renewal. As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord did not rescue them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness. The Lord did not bring them out of Egypt for them to sing Christian praise songs around the campfire forever. God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land. God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan. Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain; it was time to take the promised land.
The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp. Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus. But their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt. 17:4, 14–18). There are times when you need spiritual renewal and God delights in you spending time with Him. He will refresh you for the journey. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting. You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the journey and challenges that await you.
There are people in your life that may need encouraging. Some may be struggling with a life issue and need some direction. Others may need to know that Christ really does love them and wants to give them a new life. But you cannot influence anyone if you stay at the mountain of renewal. God tells us that as we go through life we are to be attentive to those he puts in our path. God will renew you so you will be able to manage life and become his hands and feet to others who are bruised and broken. God has graciously placed you in their life at this strategic moment for you to share His love and mercy with them.
Take time each day to read God’s word and pray. Spend time in God’s presence. Then you will be ready for the assignments God will give you. You will be prepared to share God’s love with those who you interact with today. Many people today are struggling and need to know someone cares. You have been to the mountain of God for renewal. Now it’s time to go into the valley and live for God In doing so you will become the hands and feet of Christ to someone in need.