Together they represent the entire O.T. We know how important it is to feed our faith and build our knowledge through reading Christian books. They allow us to listen to our Christian books while driving, working, or cooking dinner. 1:17). 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. When the Bible says that Jesus was transfigured, it means that He became on the outside what He was on the inside. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples 6. resembling or suggesting a mountain, as in size. -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. The term "mountain top experience" comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Or you were convicted about something in your life that you now need accountability for from a friend or mentor. Jesus visage became as bright as the sun even as the long-dead Old Testament heroes Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) appeared and talked with Jesus. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mountaintop, Nglish: Translation of mountaintop for Spanish Speakers. (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. 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. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. If you need it, they have it. 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. 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. For six days Moses lingered in the cloud of God at the top of the mountain. The relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. CAMIER PTY LTD HISTORY. That night on the mount of Transfiguration, the glory of God that was within shined-forth through his humanity. I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. , and respond as he calls you to trust him for eternal life. The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. The sum total of all of the things he had done and experienced in life had brought him to the place where he stood at that moment in time. White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. 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. - the law and the, Prophets; the son of God and the three great apostles of the church they are talking about the Cross! There is absolutely nothing wrong with a mountain top experience. Hebrew tells us he is greater than all the O.T prophets! But those were all just moments. These guys had seen Jesus on multiple occasions, do amazing things, but they had NEVER seen him like they are going to see him on that mountain. We all need spiritual refreshing from the presence of the Lord; we need encouragement that can come only from being in the presence of Jesus. Horeb, Elijah stood in the mouth of a cave and heard God speak not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the sounds of silence. Jesus is the only one to ever walk this earth who was absolutely sinless and holy! Copyright 2023 Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Thats why he wanted to build dwellings or booths on top of Mt. And you will walk away changed!. Scripture gives us stories of literal mountain top experiences that color our expectations for what it means to encounter the divine - Abraham and Isaac climbing together in an act of extreme devotion to God and experiencing the mercy of God at its apex. The word, . SEE IT FOR THE FATHOMLESS MYSTERY THAT IT IS. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. By adding some whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, a regular cup of warm chocolate powder in milk becomes more like a dessert. 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 distinction between the two is clear (now). Six days earlier Jesus had asked his disciples the question of the hour Who do you say that I am? WhenPeter answered, You are the Messiah, Son of the living God, Jesus was ecstatic, and on the spot named Peter the future head of the church. The greatest experiences of my life have been the times when God moved in power, and make himself none to me through his word and by his Spirit; making Jesus real to my heart! We see Him working and moving throughout the lives of the people there, and we come home with a new vigor to live life differently, more passionately. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! Branded DISC Profile Service Back Office Login (has a different login than this website). He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths. For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3 CSB). when we meet with Jesus, and he reveals himself to us. Those moments at a worship concert or at the end of a sermon when the person holding the microphone makes a powerful speech with emotional music playing in the background. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. But dedication to Jesus is the key to blessings. 1:21). But, maybe you say, The church doesnt hear the voice like Peter did. Jesus is greater than Moses, and Elijah! Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with (Jesus). This past week I attended a two day conference in Atlanta for facilitators of a program called Listen to Your Life. All Rights Reserved. As Christians, when we know what we have, we never want to leave the mountain of God. Jesus is above all men, Jesus has no Equal! 1:16), so the Word is as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Pet. 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. 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. Even so, flaws and all, God sends us from our mountaintops into the valleys below. You might have been counting down the days until spring, but make the most of these chilly and cloudy days. We stayed just outside the park, in full view of the snow-topped mountain range. We dont know the name of the mountain or its heightthe tallest peak in the region was less than ten thousand feet highbut we know this eventbecame the trios ultimate mountaintop experience. There were many heartaches and tears shed over painful relationships with family members and close friends which were also part of the pile. It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. Have you been born again? The question is, will you enter into that change as you walk down the mountain into the valley? It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. 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. Philippians 4:13. God, unlike Peter knew exactly what he was talking about. Mountain Top TV No monthly fee. The mountaintop experience enables the believer to remain stable when they reach low points in their life. 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? 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. But what, biblically speaking, is a mountaintop experience? Moses and Elijah had disappeared, the voice of the Father was silent, and the three disciples saw only Jesus! to what Jesus says in his word. 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. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. 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. Those are great experiences that God has given to me, and I am thankful for them. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! And the thought of spending an additional 40 days in the fog listening for the voice of God doesnt excite me either. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Stick with that original version of your mountain-top experience--the way you have experienced God. What is your ultimate mountaintop experience? As for how this takes shape in the coming future, I dont really know and I am okay with that because I am very confident that my job is to be willing and available and He will open and close doors. To get on higher ground, to climb above the mundane, and get in the place where the glory of God can touch our lives, and we can see JESUS as He is in glory and power, and hear God speak to our hearts. How do we come down the mountain and begin living normal life while holding onto what weve learned? And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. The stress I feel towards a particular class is so small compared to what really matters in life. No one deserves worship but Jesus! 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! I have placed you on the mountaintop for my glory in the last days.. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. Like if you take one step forward you will fall endlessly and helplessly. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? How does a congregation go The prophet Elijah had his share of mountaintop moments as well. I have established you on the mountaintop. It had been six hundred years since anyone in Israel had seen the Shekinah glory cloud. Yes, I was on a literal mountaintop, but I am talking about a biblical mountaintop experience. Full kitchen, with cookware and dinnerware, dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, full fridge, coffeemaker. Moses was reflecting the glory of God because he had been in the presence of God; that is something we all should do! And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. (. The first time we see Jesus on a high mountain is in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the Devil. The greatest things that have happened in my life have all been. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. 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. Accessed 4 Mar. Thousands of people would say the answer is to stand on the roof of the world, the summit of Mount Everest. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. It is time to drop the negative connotation attached to valleys and embrace their true purpose. But then, everything about Peters mountaintop experience changes. 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. Thousands of people would say the answer is to stand on the "roof of the world," the summit of Mount Everest. Peter, James, and John thought that Elijahs appearance on the mountain with Jesus that day surely was a fulfillment of prophecy. In those moments, do we lose the passion and the awe we once felt on top of that mountain? As soon as Jesus and company reach the summit, he undergoes the mysterious process of transfiguration. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. In Atlanta, as we met and talked and worshipped, I had a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm and knew clearly that God was saying to me, The time is right and you are ready to begin this work of listening. Whereas before, Listen to My Life sounded really interested and well-done, this time it felt truly life giving. Ron & Andrea Camier established Mountain-Top Experience in 1998 following Ron's retrenchment from brown coal research and development engineering due to the privatisation of the power industry. For six days Peter and the other 11 disciples have their heads spinning by the prediciton that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, would die on a cross. You learn something new about who God is. Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! And if such an experience is to be sought after, how can the Christian be found on the mountaintop time and time again? But God also spoke, it was Gods voice. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the feeling of dizziness. Don't start to rationalize it, no matter how unbelievable it may sound to some. And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. Became pastor of the church in Jerusalem, and was martyred for Preaching Jesus. Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. Pastor at Columbus (IN) RP Church. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. God's benevolence stretches this description to the breaking point. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. That somebody is my wife, Joani, and Ive asked Joani to briefly describe her mountaintop experience with us today. At first they were deathly afraid of what they had seenwho wouldnt be!? The fact that the transfiguration is reported in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. Sinai. On one particular hike, the sun was setting, the warm air brushed against me, and the silence engulfed me. glory cloud Ezekiel saw rise from between the cherubim and move to the threshold of the Temple because of Israels apostasy and then slowly rising to be seen no more from the Mount of Olives. Peter himself later recounts that the disciples were "eyewitnesses of his majesty (2 Pet. We cant leave them behind us. Mountaintop experiences are moments where people experience a dramatic expression of faith. But now Moses is getting to see the glory of God face-to-face, in the person of Jesus Christ. Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. I walked down that mountain with a fresh, new fear for the Lord and new readiness to serve Him and only Him. Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. from that experience knowing more about Jesus, more prepared to live and die for him! When Jesus entered this world, he came as a man, he was born in a stable, wore peasant clothing, and worked as a carpenter in a small town. However, along the way there were broken relationships and many long hours of hard work and study. So where one person might be on their knees in tears over an experience with God, another might simply acknowledge the fact that theyve learned something new about God. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. You feel overcome by a greater awareness of Gods reality. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. What was the difference? What is your ultimate mountaintop experience? God met me in Atlanta and it seemed to me that He was saying, Lets do this together.. At the very least, tell a fellow Christian about your decision and ask for guidance. Sinai with Joshua and Owen during our last days in Egypt, watching the sun rise over the vast chains of mountains in the desert there, and experience a diverse and international group of pilgrims praying their unique prayers at the top. This past summer I worked every day in a place surrounded by mountains. 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. Old truths and new stories of the Appalachian experience. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! TheLordwill keep you from allevil;he will keep your life. Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. as he calls you to leave bitterness behind, and to forgive and find joy. I love to see groups of people work together and everyone succeed. I'm sure you have left over hot chocolate from November and December, so it's time to finish them off. Check out my Recommended Resources list. It could have been graduating from college and then stepping into a dream job. Soon, weekends can be filled with park trips and beach adventures, but for now, the weather is temperamental, so a movie night can suffice. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. 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). Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for Jewish and Christian cultures since they are "closer to God" who dwells in the heavens (as in the sky). Death moves our soul to another place, and that particular place is determined by what you do with Jesus in this life. 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. Upon returning from the top of Mt. Yet, it seems that Peter actually does the opposite. Ironically, the three disciples misunderstood nearly everything about that experience as it was occurring. Moses still had flaws that would prevent him from entering the Promised Land. encourage them and help them in the days ahead. 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? Afterwards, we go back into the valleys where we live our lives. So what next? You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. Some only lasted for mere minutes. Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed. At those times, we receive revelation and teaching from God. The mountaintop transfiguration of Jesus Christ was certainly a transcendent visual experience for Peter, James, and John. Instead of presenting a contrast of experiences, Peter presents a parallel. 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. I have ordered from them with great satisfaction for over 20 years. We wont be able to implant every detail of the mountain top into the valley, but we cant waste those moments. There we will walk in His paths and will be taught His ways. For instruction and revelation will come out from Mountaintop Worship Center. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. The way to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus is to spend time with him in prayer. Though it had not been easy, it had all been well worth the journey to get to where he wanted to be in life. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. 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. He has it all in control. There, Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matt. Idioms: 17:7)." Lead me to those where the harvest is ready, for I am Your willing laborer.In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. The cloud alone would have been enough to confirm Gods presence and blessings on Jesus. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the idea of feeling miniscule. 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. 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. Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. 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. Just zoom out and think about your problems in the large scheme of things. But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. Moses finally made it to the promise land! But as great as it will be to see our loved ones, the main person we will want to see will be JESUS! One moose, two moose. Herod asked about Jesus, who is this I hear such things about? The fascinating story behind many people's favori Can you handle the (barometric) pressure? Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! It is regularly updated with the latest 4WD developments, and with amusing anecdotes and stories . He has performed miracle after miracle and, in that mountaintop experience, my blinded eyes were healed. 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. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. On that mountaintop I realized that all the problems and worries that suffocate me daily were so worldly. The people live in the valleys. Jesus is the. II. But the Holy Spirit is not constrained to work through baptism only in the moment when it is administered. These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. But God never intended for us to live there. Simon Peter and the brothers James and John accompanied Jesus one day up on a high mountain (Matt. Moses and company obeyed, hiking to the foot of the mountain where an astonishing thing happened: they saw the God of Israel, and they lived to talk about it! Appropriately enough, both Moses and Elijah, the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet, show up to talk with Jesus. 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. The chosen son of God, the Savior of the world! V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Jesus Christ, furthering His kingdom, and bringing glory to God through it all. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. A Mountain Top Experience This is such an awesome piece of Scripture that describes the imagery of a future time when "the mountain of the LORD" and "the house of the God of Jacob" will be a holy place for all the diverse people groups from every nation and of every ethnicity, worshipping God and learning the ways of His wisdom - Amen! But then Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. 17:1). Mixed in with all of that were some great memories and wonderful times of happiness, too. And appropriately enough, a bright cloud overshadows them, and from the cloud a voice said, This is my Son, the Beloved; with whom I am well pleased; listen to him! As great as Moses and Elijah were, Jesus was and is greater still. 'Hiemal,' 'brumation,' & other rare wintry words. A true Spiritual mountain-top experience always revolves around JESUS! What is the purpose of a Mountain-top experience? Confront the Danger. I love to see goals attained after hard work. BRICKS IN THE VALLEY Text: Matthew 17:1 - 9 We all know from the laws of gravity that what goes up must also come down. Then later, on the top of Mt. In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. God truly does reveal Himself to us in different ways, some more intense than others. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! Some people need to journal each moment while still on the mountain. Sinai. Cable TV and high speed internet. 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.