The Mountain View

I lived in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains many years ago and I loved driving around the area and seeing the incredible views of the Smokey’s in the background against the sky. Those views are stunning and I do see why people want to move to the mountains to live. (My daughter who was visiting friends in the Smokey Mountains took this picture recently.)

To really see a mountain, you really need to be some distance from it to take it in. When I find myself at the base of the mountain, it’s is very intrusive and huge. The Lord led the people to the foot of Mt. Sinai just over 60 days since bringing them out of Egyptian slavery. He had met Moses up on the mountain and He told Moses to prepare the people because He’s about to show His Glory to them. They were given three days notice to prepare for God to show His Glory. Check this out….

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. (Exodus 19:16-19 NIV)

I can only imagine this incredible experience that the people of God experienced. This was a life changing experience. This was mind-blowing and AWESOME at the same time. I have seen the Power of God’s Presence in much different fashion. I can hardly imagine the perspective I would have of God if I were here at the foot of this mountain.

God invites Moses up to the mountain. The mountain background of Mt. Sinai…thick cloud, thunder, lightening, a great trumpet blast –this is quite a setting for the Lord showing off His Power and His Presence. This is also the backdrop for The Lord giving the Law to Moses. He set the boundaries for His people on the mountain. I can almost hear the sounds and smell the freshness of this mountain. I’m looking at this incredible event through the lens of Jesus, the Son of God who made it possible for me to go up to the top of the mountain and meet God there every morning… or anytime. God made a way for me to have direct access to Him through His Son. I can’t comprehend the greatness of God or the depth of His Love, but I’m going to pursue His heart until the day I die. Meanwhile, in my everyday life here on earth, I want to notice Him throughout my day. I want to see Him in the eyes and heart of other human beings that He created. I want to honor Him with my life choices today and every day. I want to respect and honor God and not flippantly ignore Him or manipulate Him for my benefit. I want to visit Him on the mountain frequently so that I have proper perspective (His Perspective) for the life I live for Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne