 Normal Language
In our regular parlance, we speak of the mountain top as a metaphor for a time of blessing and enjoyment. The metaphor works because it conjures the image of us being lifted up and on top of the things happening in our lives. The view is good from the mountain and we have a better vantage point to see our blessings and understand our struggles. In the Scriptures the Lord also speaks of the mountain top as symbolizing blessing. Even the temple was built on the mount of the Lord. Worship takes place on the mountain. Even the language referring to going to Jerusalem is an ascendant language. You will notice that everyone, no matter what direction they are coming from, goes up to Jerusalem. Also many of the Psalms are called Psalms of ascents because they were meant to be sung while ascending to Jerusalem and the temple for worship. Ministry As Baptists, we believe in the priesthood of the believer. The doctrine teaches that in the New Covenant there are not earthly priests. Rather, we have a high priest in the heavens who is our perfect representative before the Father who is the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:13-16). So all of us who are believers are called to some service to the Lord and for one another. We are a kingdom of priests to our God (1 Peter 2:9-10). We all as the Holy Spirit indwelt covenant people have gifts and with those gifts responsibility to serve Jesus and His bride. The term ministry, that we so often attach to the offices of Pastor's/Elders and Deacons, really just means to serve. All Christians have a calling and ministry they are meant to fulfill. The mountain top is an opportunity to exercise our gifts and bless others with the role that God has called us to in service to His body, the church. During these periods of spiritual exhilaration, it is important that we not simply bask in the enjoyment of the Lord but also share with others this joy unspeakable that is full of glory! Lookout I mentioned earlier that during these mountain top experiences we have a good vantage point in which to see the blessings of the Lord and understand our struggles. But also on the mountain top we have the advantage of being watchmen. From this place we can see the approach of enemies so as to prepare our defenses or even mount an offensive strike. As we look around at the world and our enemy, we must recognize false worldviews and unbiblical thinking so as to be ready to give a defense for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:14-16). We must also be ready to bring the message of the gospel of the Kingdom to bear offensively so as to plunder the enemy's camp and rescue the perishing! Jesus instructed His Apostles to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). This means teaching them to both believe and obey. Trust and obedience go hand in hand. Real faith is always a faith that produces action and genuine fruit. Jesus’ instruction to the disciples presses the reality that our faith is on the march to penetrate and saturate all the world with the good news of the Kingdom of God! Showdown Finally, the mountain top may be the place for a showdown. The Prophet Elijah faces all the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). It is possible that the Lord has brought us to a mountain top moment so that we can be an example of faithfulness to Christ even in the midst of persecution and opposition. It is possible that God has brought us to the mountain top moment so that He can demonstrate His power to bring about victory and salvation for His people. Remember the Mt. Carmel is not the mountain on which God brought His greatest work of victory. That mountain is called Golgotha (Matthew 27). Mountain top periods are sweet and needed at points in our journey with the Lord and toward the new heavens and the new earth where righteous dwells. May we enjoy these sweet times and may we not waste these precious moments!
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