mountain top experience definition

We know how important it is to feed our faith and build our knowledge through reading Christian books. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. We forget what it felt like to trust God while on the mission field. 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). He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. 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. This is my favorite source for everything Christian. The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. Have you ever witnessed an altar call? 1. a natural elevation of land rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. Jesus gives us his word that we might obey it, put it to practice in our lives, and live it out every day! Ironically, the three disciples misunderstood nearly everything about that experience as it was occurring. Stick with that original version of your mountain-top experience--the way you have experienced God. Jesus death on the cross is the topic of conversation when you have a mountaintop experience! Because whatever happens, God has it all in control. Suddenly your problems dont seem like problems anymore. Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Theres only one tabernacle where God dwells, Jesus Christ! How does a congregation go In those moments, do we lose the passion and the awe we once felt on top of that mountain? Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. And if we keep moving upward an onward, we will eventually get to the peak or sum total of our own personal mountaintop experience! Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. Like if you take one step forward you will fall endlessly and helplessly. Mixed in with all of that were some great memories and wonderful times of happiness, too. It means when you worry, stress, or get angry, think about your struggles from a different perspective. The mountaintop experience enables the believer to remain stable when they reach low points in their life. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with (Jesus). To grow and restore the family of Christ on the foundation of His Word and His promises. Jesus deity and glory would be hid; but they knew underneath his humanity, was deity. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. Peter was hoping Jesus would settle in on the summit. Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. God knows how our brains work and how our individual personalities respond. Yet, it seems that Peter actually does the opposite. That could prove dangerous and manipulative. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am? The disciples needed to know who Jesus was because in the days ahead they would be discouraged, disillusioned as they saw Jesus suffer and die on the cross. 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. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. Recently, when I was complaining to a friend about waiting for God to do something, this spiritually wise person noted that God almost never hurries. This reminds me of Church! For Christians, it seems that anything from a relaxing woods retreat to a Mountain-Dew-induced sugar-high at a youth conference can gain the mountaintop moniker. The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. 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. You will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. If not, why not today? . Tag-along Tours run for past customers by the MTE club enable you to travel in your own 4WD vehicle, but with the confidence of knowing you are being looked after. Im guessing most of us have had at least one episode in our lives wed call a mountaintop experience. Just zoom out and think about your problems in the large scheme of things. It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. With this idea, though, one final observation must be made. Moses finally made it to the promise land! Proclaiming the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. So what next? Remember, Moses first met God at the burning bush on Mt. As the transfiguration reveals, the voice of Majestic Glory in the Word is a fearful thing. Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. while Peter is still talking; God interrupts Peters speech. Life is a continually ascending and descending in our religious experiences. Amen. Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! First, unlike other benefactors, God is unwaveringly benevolent. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! TheLordis your keeper;theLordis your shade at your right hand. Moses and Elijah were still alive and conscience though they had left the earth hundreds of years before this. However, along the way there were broken relationships and many long hours of hard work and study. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Just as the Majestic Glory spoke on the mountain (2 Pet. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the feeling of dizziness. We experience gratitude most naturally and intensely when a giver (1) unpredictably and (2) at cost to him- or herself (3) transfers to our full possession (4) a benefit that pleases us. 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. the law and the prophets. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. Death moves our soul to another place, and that particular place is determined by what you do with Jesus in this life. While such fear is proper, it may and must be accompanied by hearing the other mountain-voice of the transfiguration. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. 1:19). I have placed you on the mountaintop for my glory in the last days.. This meditation allows us to digest the revelation so we can be more effective ambassadors for Christ. Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. 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. They saw things they had never seen before, they were aware of things they were never aware of before, they were in the presence of God! A sermon delivered by David Hughes, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, Nc., March 6, 2011. The Word communicated the fullness of the glory of God manifested to them. Jesus transformationcalled a transfigurationwas even more dramatic. This is the walk all . God doesnt intend for us to live in a perpetual state of emotional highs when it comes to faith. tain maun-tn often attributive Synonyms of mountain 1 a : a landmass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill The sun set behind the mountains. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. If youve ever been to a mountaintop, then you are familiar with the sensation of inexplicable awe. When the Word is preached, the power and majesty of God are communicated to His people. In. Any place be it mountaintop, retreat center, or worship service, that can change you inside out should be considered dangerous. The cloud alone would have been enough to confirm Gods presence and blessings on Jesus. As Christians, we long for experiences of the transcendent that we believe will forever change our perspective on life. The Holy Spirit really works through the sacrament of baptism. In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. Both had famous departures from this earth. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. Peter, James, and John were caught in heavens high beams as they saw the glory of God shining through the humanity of Jesus. V:35-And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, this is my beloved son: hear him. The first time we see Jesus on a high mountain is in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the Devil. You are a stumbling block to me. Jesus recognized the voice of the Evil One again, this time speaking through Peter, and he told him to back off. These men where dedicated and devoted to Jesus; these three men went on to be. encourage them and help them in the days ahead. 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! 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. On the Mountain of Transfiguration it looks like things happen in a hurry. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. n. The summit of a mountain. 1:17), the words of Scripture are words from God as carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. The term "mountain top experience" comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. as he tells you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. Baptism is NOT something we do. All rights reserved. At first they were deathly afraid of what they had seenwho wouldnt be!? 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. Delivered to your inbox! But as great as those experiences are, there not the greatest experiences of my life. The aspect of a beautiful mountaintop experience has a whole new meaning when you realize that it does not matter what the mountain is made of. First things first, don't be afraid to talk openly about mountain top experiences with your students. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. Shes still not sure whats she supposed to do with what shes learning, and now shes in her own personal waiting period trusting God to clarify her next move. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. The question is, will you enter into that change as you walk down the mountain into the valley? Apart from Jesus they fail miserably in dealing with the demon. Mountain top removal means a coal mining operation that will remove an entire coal seam or seams running through the upper fraction of a mountain, ridge, or hill by removing all of the overburden and creating a level plateau with no highwalls remaining instead of restoring to approximate original contour, and is capable of supporting postmining It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. What is the purpose of a Mountain-top experience? Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. How do you respond? Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. II. The shekinah glory cloud was gone. Peter, James, and John were transformed by the transfigured Christ. Confront the Danger. After his death, would come his resurrection and exaltation! Joe cartoons from the 80's that said, " Knowing is half the battle! My greatest insight from a week of mountain climbing came from the time spent at the bottom of the mountains. There are several reasons. We must take what weve learned and processed, allowing it to change us. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! 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. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? But dont forget that six days prior, the disciples spent their own time in a theological fog, utterly confused about the proposed suffering and death of Jesus. Yet, right after this, Christians often go back into the valley where they seem to dwell most of the time. This unmediated view of the living God happened once, and only once in the Old Testament. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. revisiting them will prove a way to spur us on as we continue to live changed. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. I found myself late every afternoon sitting and simply meditating on the mountains, remembering what it was like to be on top of them and giving thanks for their ancient and imposing beauty. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Perhaps it was getting our drivers license at the age of sixteen. Father of 5 (David, Jenny, Elisha, Esther, Seth). Jesus asked his disciples, who do the people say I am? This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. But then Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. Salvation is not in a program, or a plan, but in a person-. A true Spiritual mountain-top experience always revolves around JESUS! There, for Peter, the mountain-hearing of the Fathers Majestic-Glory serves as the paradigm for the churchs engagement with the Word of God. The greatest things that have happened in my life have all been. There, Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light (Matt. This is so prevalent that the mountaintop experience has become a Christian clich of excitement and zeal. We cant disqualify a mountain top experience as just an emotional reaction. Accessed 4 Mar. Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. Peter a man who always had something to say when nothing should be said; said: V:33-Jesus, master, it is good for us to be here. And that moment made such an impression on Peter that years later he would refer to it in one of his New Testament letters as proof positive that that he didnt make up the gospel, but was an eyewitness to the very power and majesty of Jesus that changed his life forever. The one time I climbed a mountain of any size, I was amazed at how long I enjoyed spending time just looking at the view in the distance, enjoying the air, and experiencing the warm sun. 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! There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. And then there was Jesus. Soon, weekends can be filled with park trips and beach adventures, but for now, the weather is temperamental, so a movie night can suffice. Idioms: 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. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". For once weve faced them head on, then well have a better understanding of what to do next. 3. a huge amount: a mountain of mail. Define mountaintop. There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. Now this isnt to say drop everything you are doing in life because it doesnt matter. Some only lasted for mere minutes. Both can be mountain top experiences, moments when we see God in a new way. The heap on which he stood consisted of all the experiences and obstacles that he had faced on his journey through life. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! SEE IT FOR THE FATHOMLESS MYSTERY THAT IT IS. Philippians 4:13. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. If youll notice, neither Moses nor Jesus retired on top of a mountain. At the very least, tell a fellow Christian about your decision and ask for guidance. Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. We need to pray with Neil Griffith, Builder of mountains, make me like a mountain, Firm let me stand against the winds of strife; Give me a soul that reaches up to heaven, But plant my feet in needs of human life.

Discrete Categorization Aba, Antique Duck Call Collectors, How To Remove Permanent Marker From Skin After Surgery, Articles M