Mountaintop Faith
Mountaintop Faith
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-13
Captain Paul Ryerson
Corps Officer
Gwinnett County Corps, Georgia Division
Wandering and Wishing
In Numbers 27, we read that Moses’ time as the leader of Israel was ending. He was getting old, and it was time for his leadership to be passed on to the next generation. He had spent a third of his life in pursuit of a land that was promised to his ancestors. It had taken longer than expected to get there due to the continued disobedience of the Children of Israel. They had grown accustomed to the gods of Egypt and they still deferred to them from time to time. The desert became a place where they had to work out their faith. Often complaining, they sometimes wished that God had just left them in Egypt. Even Moses had his moments of frustration with the Israelites.
Moses on the Mountain
Finally, the day came when it was time to enter the land. God told Moses to go to the top of Mt. Nebo so that he could get a good vantage point to see the Promised Land. Before Moses started his journey to the mountain, he assembled all the tribes. He blessed each tribe. His final word to Israel was, “Blessed are you, O Israel! There is no one else like you, a people saved by the Lord! He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.” After he said this, he climbed to the top of the mountain alone. When he arrived, the Lord joined Moses and said, “Moses, this is the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Today, I have let my servant see it with his own eyes.” Moses found rest in these words. He closed his eyes and died peacefully with the Lord by his side. Because of how close they were, the Lord personally buried Moses. Only Moses had this standing with the Lord.
Many of us can relate to a mountaintop experience like this one. Though none of us have gone to the top of the mountain to die with the Lord by our side, we have experienced moments in our lives where we feel the presence of the Lord is near. Maybe it was a weekend retreat where you gave your heart to Christ. Perhaps it was a discipleship experience that helped you recommit your life to His purpose. Or maybe it was the Christian concert you attended over the weekend with a thousand voices singing unto Him. Whatever it may be, every believer can experience the feeling of being on the mountaintop.
The Mount of Transfiguration
Peter, James, and John also had one of these experiences. In Matthew 17, Jesus literally tells the three of them to follow Him to the top of a mountain. The Scripture never discloses which mountain, but it was a tall one from what we gather. Jesus wanted to be high enough so that no one else could see what was about to happen. As they reached the top, Jesus showed the three of them something He wasn’t going to show anyone else. Right before their eyes, Jesus took on a new form. There are plenty of interpretations of this Scripture on what that could have looked like. However, the Bible simply says it was a transfiguration. Whatever it was, we know that Jesus became as bright as the sun itself.
Then two other figures appeared on the mountain and stood next to Jesus. As Peter, James, and John adjusted their eyes, I imagine that they had a hard time believing what they were seeing. The figures standing next to Jesus were Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest figures in Israel’s history. Why Moses? Why Elijah? Moses represented the Law and Elijah represented the prophets. Their presence showed the disciples that Jesus had power and authority over the law, and power and authority over the prophets.
Peter finally spoke up and said, “Lord, is it good for us to be here and see all of this? If you wish, I will build you each a shelter.” In other words, Peter was saying, “Lord, is it safe for us to be here?” Understandably, they were afraid of what they were witnessing. As Peter asked this, a loud voice from heaven spoke and said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Peter, James, and John fell face down on the ground. I would too! A familiar voice then said to them, “Do not be afraid. Get up!” When they lifted their heads, it was Jesus.
The Meaning of the Mountain
What just happened? This event will come to be known as the Transfiguration. It showed the disciples two things: First, that Jesus was from a spiritual world. His power and authority are not of this world, and secondly, it was another proof that Jesus was the Messiah. They saw Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the prophets) submit to His authority. Jesus wasn’t just another prophet teaching the law. He was THE law. He was THE prophet. Peter, James, and John had a mountaintop experience. They were ready to go tell the world. It will be an experience they will draw from in the difficult days that are ahead.
Mountaintop experiences are a great way to recommit or realign your life with Christ. In these times, you experience the power and authority of Jesus in your life. This is GOOD. Yes, these emotions that you experience are real, and they come from a place of true freedom. The question, however, is what happens when those emotions fade? When those feelings go away and you are back to normal, does that mean that Jesus is gone too?
The answer is no. Life is not meant to be lived on the mountaintop. Our bodies and emotions couldn’t sustain that type of experience consistently. Those moments are meant to be awakenings to get us back on track for when we feel empty. A sign of spiritual maturity is the ability to experience the gospel without having to “feel” it. There is nothing wrong with feeling the love and grace of God! But we need to remember that He is the creator of all emotions and therefore isn’t defined by only the ones that make us feel good. The gospel was true yesterday, and it will be true tomorrow, no matter how we feel.
Our Corporate Prayer
Lord, remind me that You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank You for meeting me on the mountain so that I can face what this life has in store with Your strength. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Sweden & Latvia Territory
Thinking It Through
Mountaintop experiences are wonderful, but does God teach us more on the mountain, in the valley or places in between? Does He use all of them equally or one more than others?
Notable Quotables
"There’s no place too dark for God’s light to penetrate and no heart too difficult to be set aflame by His love.” – Sammy Tippit
With today's devotion, what better song, than "Higher Ground"?
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory