"Go Up to the Mountain"

January 20, 2008

Our theme for 2008 is "Go Up to the Mountain." The Lord laid this theme on my heart as I was preparing for a Wednesday night bible study. I had been asking the Lord to give me a theme that would inspire our church to new heights this year.

As I knelt at the altar in prayer, I was considering the lesson for that night. It was Jehovah-Jireh. Jehovah-Jireh simply means "The Lord will provide." As I thought about God’s provision for Abraham and Isaac that day, it occurred to me that they would have missed the miracle if they had not climbed the mountain.

If they had not gone up onto Mount Moriah, neither Abraham nor Isaac would have seen God’s provision. They would not have had their faith strengthened nor would they have seen the extent of God’s love. Instead, Abraham would have lived the rest of his life with the knowledge that he stayed in the valley rather than climbing the mountain. He would have lived in defeat because he refused to trust and obey. He would have finished his life wondering "What if?" Instead, Abraham learned by experience what he already knew by faith. God will provide!

For us "Going Up to the Mountain" symbolized a spiritual climb that leads to new heights. The climb is not always easy. In fact, it requires work. The climb isn’t quick. It takes time and persistence. But when you reach the top of the mountain there is a beautiful view! There is the satisfaction of knowing you made the journey. There is a confidence that comes from having your faith strengthened.

Throughout the course of this year, you will be challenged by some Mountain Top Messages. As we read the Scriptures, we find that many of the great events of the bible took place on Mountain Tops. Jesus went up to a mountain to pray alone. He fed 5,000 on a mountain. The Ten Commandments were given on a mountain. Noah’s ark landed on a mountain. Can we forget that Christ was crucified on Mount Calvary?

Let us reach for new heights this year as we determine to "Go Up to the Mountain" together.