Description
Mountains are important places in the world of the Bible. Noah’s ark lodges on a mountain. From there Noah sends out the birds to decide when to leave the great ship. God gives the law to Moses on a mountain. Jerusalem is called Mount Zion. Jesus delivered on of his most famous sermons on a mountain; it is even called the Sermon on the Mount. The transfiguration of Jesus happens in a high place and Jesus is betrayed in the garden of the Mount of Olives. We also usually see depictions of Jesus’ crucifixion as being in a high place; a place where all could see. The book of Revelation tells us of paradise in the new mount Zion.
None of the Bible readings set for today really talk to us of mountains. Instead they focus on the ideal – the way of life we should be striving for. The reading from Proverbs 31:10-31 gives a list of the characteristics of an ideal wife – more precious than rubies. Psalm 1 tells us to meditate on God’s law day and night. It is only then that we will be able to be strong, being fed by God’s streams of water.
In James 3:13-4-8a the writer chastises us about our bitter hearts. The letter reminds us that wisdom from above gives good fruit and, therefore, draw near to God. And, lastly, the gospel, Mark 9:30-37 tells us to stop striving to be first, and instead by servants.
We can have amazing mountain top experiences that say to us – all of this is possible, I can live the ideal that God has called me to. Yet, most of our lives are lived on the plains. So come journey through the high calling God has on all our lives.
