Hiking has always been in my blood! I remember as a six-grader hiking up East River Mountain, Bluefield, WV, on Christmas Day with a foot or more of snow on the ground! Wow! I have never forgotten the views, the beauty of the sparkling snow, and the fun of just hiking with family.
Something that beckons me to climb a mountain is to reach the summit. Why? Because I am so intrigued by the view, and I want to know what it looks like on the other side.
One of the many blessings of traveling to Israel was mounting the summit of the Arbel Cliffs. What an awesome view overlooking the Sea of Galilee. During the early ministry of Jesus, which took place on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, Scripture mentions that He departed into the mountain to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12). We cannot be certain that the Arbel Cliffs was that mountain, but it sure could have been since it is situated between Tiberius and Capernaum.
Praying takes me to the summit. There is no higher throne of authority than the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:14-16).
From that summit, I see all things around me through the eyes and wisdom of God. There, I am taken above my worries, fears, anxieties, questions, doubts, temptations, Satan, old sin nature, and needs.
At the summit of prayer is that quiet place above the noise and distractions below. There I feel like I could soar like the eagles.
There at the summit, I can see the attributes and character of God, the person of Christ, and the enabling help of the Spirit who draws me to prayer.
The Psalmist David knew about that summit when he said, From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2).
And when he (Jesus) had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone (Matthew 14:23).
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3).
How’s your view this morning, this afternoon, and this evening?
From A Pastor's Heart 