Mountaintops

Matthew: 17 1-2 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.”

Mountaintops are an important part of life. We use these times to remind us of the grandeur and superiority of the life to which we have been called, especially when so much of life is lived in the brokenness of this world. It’s not hard to become discouraged when faced with the reality of what is happening in our world--people hurting, hungry, jobless, and alone. It doesn’t take long to form the impression that things are not well in our world, and often times in our lives we get bogged down over situations that leave us struggling.

But that is exactly the times that God interrupts the scene. It is in the midst of these times that Jesus beckons us to remember that the journey we are called to follow leads to something better.

As a Christ follower, we have a unique perspective on life. It goes like this…This present reality is not the end of the journey; it is only the path that we must traverse, but we take this path for a purpose. I have discovered over my many years that the path often is filled with bumps and detours, which bring adversity into life. In the midst of these bumps and detours, it is difficult to see the end result. SO what keeps me moving forward instead of folding up shop and calling it quits?

I believe it is the recollection of MOUNTAINTOPS that help me focus on the really important stuff. It was no accident that in this passage of scripture Jesus took with Him these three close followers: Peter, James and John. Each one will eventually play a vital role in the building and establishment of the Church. I can’t help but think that in the midst of the struggles that these three wanted to give up. However, they were reminded at those times of the glory which was shown to them on the mountaintop, and they continued forward.

What is it for you? What keeps you moving forward when the world is screaming STOP? It’s the knowledge that God is in this with us. His glory has been revealed and for just a brief moment we are allowed to see into the majesty of Him who has called us to follow.

One of my mountaintop moments happened at a church in Managua--God speaking to me and calling me to serve these people. It has changed my life. This calling is not always easy but is always present in my thoughts and prayers. What’s your mountaintop moment? I would love to hear it.

Blessings, Rip