Mountain Top Experiences Lk. 23:33 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
We all go through trials and temptations in the valleys of life. But there are certainly some wonderful mountain top experiences, as well. Today we are going to look at some of these mountain top experiences in hopes that you will find yourself more often on the mountain with the Lord than down in the dumps. Notice where we can have mountain top experiences with Jesus.
On Mt. Calvary – Lk 23:33 where our Lord was crucified. Calvary is where we are reminded of his sacrifice and the depth of his love. Calvary is where we have our death in Christ [Rom 6:3-5]. Calvary is where we die daily [1 Cor 15:31]. You see, when we are crucified with Christ [Gal 2:20] then Christ lives his life in us. We really get to know him on Calvary [Phil 3:10]. And while we experience fellowship with his sufferings, we also see the power of his resurrection. Have a mountain top experience with Jesus every day on Mt. Calvary.
On Mt. Sinai – Ex 3:1-5, 12, Ex 24:13, Deut 5:4 also called Horeb or the mount of God where the Lord talked face to face out of the midst of the fire. Sinai is where we are reminded of God’s holiness. In Heb 12:18-21, Moses said I exceedingly fear and quake. Sinai is where we fear God and serve God [Phil 2:12-13]. We are here for his pleasure [Rev 4:11]; he’s not here for ours.
On Mt. Zion – Ps 48:2, Heb 12:22 where the Lord reigns in the heavenly Jerusalem. And Is 24:23 where the Lord shall reign in Mount Zion on earth when he returns. Mt. Zion is where we are reminded of the Lord’s authority. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and he will rule forever. The centurion said, “I am a man under authority.” That’s exactly where we need to be. Have regular mountain top experiences with the Lord on Mt. Zion to remind yourself who’s in charge!!
On Mt. Olivet – Matt 26:30-38 where the Lord prayed in Gethsemane and Lk 19:37 where the disciples rejoiced and praised God during Jesus’ triumphal entry. Mt. Olivet is where we are reminded of his fellowship. That’s where the disciples fellowshipped with Jesus, where they prayed with him, where they learned from him [Matt 24], and where they praised him. We need daily mountain top experiences in fellowship with the Lord on Mt. Olivet in prayer and praise.
On Mt. Paran – Deut 33:2 where Moses prophesied the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. On Mt. Paran we are reminded of his return, when he comes with ten thousands of his saints [that’s us, Rev 19:11-15]. We are to be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” [Titus 2:13]. Too many Christians are consumed with thoughts and fears about things down here. Quit looking down and start looking up. Get on the mountain top with the Lord!!
Conclusion: Keep these mountains in mind always and rejoice that you can commune with the Lord on these mountains at all times. Having regular mountain top experiences with the Lord on these mountains will help you when you find yourself in the valleys.