On the Mountain of Transfiguration it looks like things happen in a hurry. those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Together they represent the entire O.T. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. Of course, except for Jesus, even people who undergo mountaintop transformations remain flawed. Sleeps up to 6 (one queen bed, one double bed, and two twin beds). Pastor James McDonald describes the biblical mountaintop experience as one that involves your mind, emotions, and will. It is a high point in your life when youre with Gods people and Jesus in his glory shows up! There is a mountaintop experience all Christians seek. Jesus does not fall to temptation but whips the Devil soundly on the mountain, and the Evil One slinks away, biding his time until he can harass Jesus again. Finally, its just Moses moving to the top of Mt. The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. Maybe thats why to this day so many Christian retreat centers are on top of or around mountains. Sinai with Joshua and Owen during our last days in Egypt, watching the sun rise over the vast chains of mountains in the desert there, and experience a diverse and international group of pilgrims praying their unique prayers at the top. Tabor. Now suddenly, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John for an evening hike up Mt. Mountain top removal Definition | Law Insider Would you pray and ask God to give you a mountaintop experience; when he does you will see his glory and worship him, understand his work and trust him, hear his word and obey him. All nations will stream to it, and many peoples will come and say, Come, lets go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. We wont be able to implant every detail of the mountain top into the valley, but we cant waste those moments. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Others need to share with a close friend a detailed description of all they experienced. Or did we just respond with emotions that were not actually genuine for the long run? How can we reach this mountaintop?. Why does God allow you to have a Mountain-top experience? 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. II. This past week we spent our vacation at the base of the Rocky Mountains and went into the National Park each day to climb this mountain or that mountain - all reasonable morning hikes. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. I recently heard a man say that he had worked all of his life to get to the top of his own personal mountain. Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? He reflected on the massive amount of time, effort and energy it took to reach the specific goals that he had laid out for his life. 5. living, growing, or located in the mountains. In. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. The glory cloud was a sign that Jesus was Gods dwelling place on earth, Jesus was the Mercy seat, he alone provides salvation and forgiveness! God truly does reveal Himself to us in different ways, some more intense than others. The words of Psalm 121 came to my mind each afternoon gazing upon the mountains, and they are what I expect will be transporting me back there over the next several months. Theres only one place to meet with God; only one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus! I have separated the list into Free Resources, Basic Resources, and Advanced Resources. He and his disciples went up this mountain to pray. As Christians, we long for experiences of the transcendent that we believe will forever change our perspective on life. Every Christian needs a place to be alone and talk with the Lord, when he described this mountain top experience, he called this high mountain; . Three of Jesus disciples would no doubt put a different experience atop their list. As I rest in the valley and meditate on my mountaintop experiences, please have Your Holy Spirit reveal to me what I need to know.Here in the valley, I will rest and feed on the goodness of Your Word. Life is a continually ascending and descending in our religious experiences. But seriously Im glad to have an excuse for Joani to describe the stirrings of the Holy Spirit in her life. I wasnt so eager to leave the mountaintop. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? The transfiguration was a foreshadowing of that event, but Christs followers would not be able to clearly see that until after the resurrection. Think of those wonderfully cheesy G.I. But as great as it will be to see our loved ones, the main person we will want to see will be JESUS! Became pastor of the church in Jerusalem, and was martyred for Preaching Jesus. The High Mountain became the Holy Mountain because he saw the glory of Jesus there! On one particular hike, the sun was setting, the warm air brushed against me, and the silence engulfed me. about evangelism. After surviving his 40 day and night fast, Jesus climbs down one mountain only to go up another, where he delivers the greatest sermon of all time, the Sermon on the Mount.. 17:5), and Peter and the disciples fall to their faces (17:6). To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. These guys had seen Jesus on multiple occasions, do amazing things, but they had NEVER seen him like they are going to see him on that mountain. 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. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Heaven will not be a place of strangers. You are not THE mountain of the Lord, but you are A mountain of the Lord. To grow and restore the family of Christ on the foundation of His Word and His promises. Moses and Elijah had disappeared, the voice of the Father was silent, and the three disciples saw only Jesus! b : an elongated ridge 2 a : a great mass a mountain of a man E. K. Brown b : a vast number or quantity a mountain of mail a mountain of debt And it happened at the foot of Mt. 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 fact that the transfiguration is reported in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. The law and prophets all meet in Jesus, they point to Jesus, and they preach 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. Though it had not been easy, it had all been well worth the journey to get to where he wanted to be in life. In the Old Testament, the mountains of Sinai and Zion are most significant. It doesnt mean well have an answer to every question we faced on the mountain top. As soon as Jesus and company reach the summit, he undergoes the mysterious process of transfiguration. The word, . We cant leave them behind us. Now this isnt to say drop everything you are doing in life because it doesnt matter. Mountaintop Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster 1:16), so the Word is as a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Pet. I love life! Soaking in the memory of what God revealed to us on the mountain will remind us of our purpose in the valley. 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 2. Moses was reflecting the glory of God because he had been in the presence of God; that is something we all should do! 17:4). Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. It was a Mountain top experience, as heaven came down on that mountain. Jesus climbing to the top of a mountain not to receive, but to give a new interpretation and understanding of those laws shaping our communal life together as Christians through the Sermon on the Mount. To answer this question, it seems wisest to evaluate the mountaintop experience par excellence of Scripture, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 17:1-3, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:16-21). BRICKS IN THE VALLEY Text: Matthew 17:1 - 9 We all know from the laws of gravity that what goes up must also come down. My time in Dallas was informative and meaningful and challenging, but I would not say it was a mountaintop experience. It so happens that I know of somebody thats had a mountaintop experience just this past week. This past week I attended a two day conference in Atlanta for facilitators of a program called Listen to Your Life. Theres only one tabernacle where God dwells, Jesus Christ! White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Unfortunately, busy schedules can interfere with reading time. But never forget that it is a rhythmic, ordinary encounter with the Majestic Voice of God speaking in His Word. However, the truth of the matter is simply this: the mountain really is made out of a lot of stuff (both good and bad). The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! Prophecy is not about a happening, an event, is about a person. A variety of day trips, long weekends, and extended . Yet over time we go back to normal life. Moses still had flaws that would prevent him from entering the Promised Land. Full kitchen, with cookware and dinnerware, dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, full fridge, coffeemaker. It is on the mountaintop we receive revelation from God, and it is where we often experience the tangible, felt presence of God. This is what all our experiences, all our theology, all our work should come to; bring is to the place to see Jesus! Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. MTE's 4WD tag-along tours throughout the Victorian High Country and passenger tours around Walhalla became very popular . Now for the Lords prophetic word: This is what the Lord is saying to the people of Mountaintop Worship Center. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says its Mt. Peter said it is good to be here. The speaker concludes talking with an invitation to come to the altar and lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus. 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. However, along the way there were broken relationships and many long hours of hard work and study. Well have a better understanding of how that intense moment can fit into our everyday. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. I love to see goals attained after hard work. One of the authors of the book, Sharon Swing says, Listening is the art of creating space so God can do His work in the heart of another., This time in Atlanta was a follow-up to similar work I did in Dallas two years ago. They are solid and unmovable. Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! My help comes from theLord,who made heaven and earth. mountain noun [C] (VERY LARGE HILL) A2 a raised part of the earth's surface, much larger than a hill, the top of which might be covered in snow: The Matterhorn is one of the biggest mountains in Europe. We long for the mountaintop. Here is our startling recognition: the Christian's mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. Jesus dead on the Cross as the Lamb of God means Exodus, freedom from sins bondage to all who will apply the blood of Jesus to their heart in faith! It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! They didnt last for years. Yet over time we go back to normal life. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. It was their ultimate mountaintop experience. After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has This Lent, follow something deeper than identity Six days earlier Jesus had asked his disciples the question of the hour Who do you say that I am? WhenPeter answered, You are the Messiah, Son of the living God, Jesus was ecstatic, and on the spot named Peter the future head of the church. Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. The Christian's Mountaintop Experience - Gentle Reformation Properly understood, it is something we receive just like our salvation. as he tells you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. What an amazing sight! 17:2). He has it all in control. MOUNTAIN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary Questions for further thought: Where and when have you been overwhelmed by a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for you on the cross? Maybe youve realized a new passion you have that you can practice in your community. died on Mt. Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. If you have Netflix or Hulu, the possibilities of movies are endless. So when it is too cold for an ice cream party, you can have a hot chocolate party instead! And eventually Peter would deny the very one who changed his life. Some people need to journal each moment while still on the mountain. The chosen son of God, the Savior of the world! This works in making work more enjoyable too. -For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It could have been graduating from college and then stepping into a dream job. 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! Thats when you see people all around you move forward as they listen to the call of their mountain top experience. I love to see families encouraging and helping one another. Yet, right after this, Christians often go back into the valley where they seem to dwell most of the time. It is always dangerous to say something when you dont know what to say! The mountain top experience was a sanctuary, and a challenge. And we forget the promises we made to our Holy God in the midst of that mountain top experience. On one day, we drove to the top of the mountains on Trail Ridge Road that cuts right through Rocky Mountain National Park peaking at an elevation of 12,000 feet - a literal arctic tundra in northern Colorado. Their dedication and devotion to Jesus brought special blessings into their lives. Moses and Elijah were known by Peter, James and John. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. Mountaintop Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. , the fashion of his countenance was altered and his raiment was white and glistering. Despite this uncertainty, the definition of a mountain is a landform that rises significantly above the surrounding landscape. That is what happens to Peter, James and John on that mountain. Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. (. What was the difference? What Is the Significance of Mountains in the Bible? Still, nearly a thousand people everyyear train vigorously, pay steep fees, and make the trip to south Asia for the opportunityto enjoy an ultimate mountaintop experience. Thousands of people would say the answer is to stand on the roof of the world, the summit of Mount Everest. For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. It involves a series of visual maps which are designed to help us sort through the chapters of our life story and rediscover clues about those places in our life where God has been, and is continuing to work. Yet, it seems that Peter actually does the opposite. They saw for the first time the dazzling Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! I'd love to go mountain - climbing. Yet the valley has become a symbol of rough times and depression.I dont believe this should be true. n. The summit of a mountain. Yes it is, it is good to be in the presence of Jesus, it is good to be in good company, Moses, Elijah, James and John. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. Upon returning from the top of Mt. But as Jesus and his inner circle stood on that mountain the Shekinah glory cloud overshadowed them. He neither deserves the honor or respect that entails. Jesus was always getting away to pray and draw strength from His father. Both these men had talked with God on mountaintops before. They are solid and unmovable. Psalm 90:2; Exodus 19:17-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 54:10. Mountain Top TV No monthly fee. And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. Many of us have walked through our own mountain top experience. If not, why not today? , and respond as he calls you to trust him for eternal life. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. Idioms: while Peter is still talking; God interrupts Peters speech. Thats why he wanted to build dwellings or booths on top of Mt. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. Here is our startling recognition: the Christians mountaintop experience is to come in contact with the Word of God. He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. But heaven will be a place of glory! 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. And what does really matter in life? They didn't last for years. That could prove dangerous and manipulative. Finally, Jesus directed the three disciples not to tell others about their experience until after His resurrection. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". Ironically, remaining on the summit for more than just a few minutes can be dangerous for climberseven life-threatening. . Just as Christ shone before the disciples in radiant majesty (2 Pet. V:29-the fashion of his countenance was altered, a reflection of another light, but this was light, this glory was from within! Branded DISC Profile Service Back Office Login (has a different login than this website). Jesus face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Amen. One of the principles of listening to God speak through scripture is that you should notice what causes you to resist as well as resonate. Heres another rhythm to add to the listcoming up the mountain to be with God; then going down the mountain to serve Gods people. . Valleys contain lakes and streams and are where rich grasses and varied types of trees grow.Therefore, ranchers take their cattle and sheep to the valley for the rich food. Peter, James, and John climb up this high mountain with Jesus; probably Mount. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. By now, its a Christian clich: the mountaintop experience. The term mountain top experience comes from those moments in the Bible when God revealed Himself to people on a mountain. Scripture gives us stories of literal mountain top experiences that color our expectations for what it means to encounter the divine - Abraham and Isaac climbing together in an act of extreme devotion to God and experiencing the mercy of God at its apex. As he stood there looking out over his life and all of his accomplishments, he looked down and realized that the mountaintop was not at all what he thought it would be. 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. Perhaps it was getting our drivers license at the age of sixteen. God met me in Atlanta and it seemed to me that He was saying, Lets do this together.. The Mountaintop Experience | A Bold Christian Check out my Recommended Resources list. The mission field proves a common place where we experience God in new ways. One moose, two moose. Once weve processed our mountain top experience, well be able to face the valley without resentment or guilt. 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. The voice of God clearly identified Jesus as his only son, his beloved son, unique one-of-a-kind son. Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. -The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the light thereof. 1:17), the words of Scripture are words from God as carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. The way to cultivate a close relationship with Jesus is to spend time with him in prayer. They allow us to listen to our Christian books while driving, working, or cooking dinner. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a mountain top experience. Sinai. to what Jesus says in his word. , when Moses met with God on Mount Sinai he came down with the glory of God radiating off his face. Notice, too, that mountaintops offer a perfect setting for life-changing transformation. Then later, on the top of Mt. Top selling author and speaker, Robert Rohm Ph.D. is founder of Personality Insights Inc. and The Robert Rohm Co. As you will see, Dr. Rohm specializes in helping people better understand themselves and others. Dedication to the Lord still brings special blessings into our lives! This one might seem obvious, but what if I told you that having a cup of hot cocoa is more than chocolate powder in warm milk? goats), the guys get to the true subject at hand. But, maybe you say, The church doesnt hear the voice like Peter did. and try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. The Mountain Top Experience - Sermon Central Have you been born again? It was simply a huge heap of stuff (both good and bad) that he had climbed up in order to get to where he was. Yet, if we keep going and if we keep climbing, the sum total of all those experiences will keep us moving upward in the right direction. I suddenly gained a perspective about life I had never had up until that moment. This mountaintop experience takes place during a time of prayer! Living, Planning, Dying Well: Getting Your Affairs in Order, 2023 Youth Sunday & Souper Bowl of Caring, Interfaith Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Advent Gift Market a yearlong commitment to mission. 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! Mountain-top - definition of mountain-top by The Free Dictionary But God never intended for us to live there. 2nd Purpose for a mountain-top experiences is that you will: 2. He has performed miracle after miracle and, in that mountaintop experience, my blinded eyes were healed. But then Jesus touched them and told them to get up and not be afraid. 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.