Garry preached on the subject of mountains tonight, talking first of all about how we are both fascinated, challenged and daunted by mountains. He has visited the Alps before:
Although Mont Blanc is the tallest mountain in this range, the Aiguille du Midi (3842 m high) is extremely steep and difficult to climb:
This mountain can be reached via cable car and from the viewing platform, the views are spectacular:
He then went on to look at three different kinds of mountains found in the Bible:
1. The Temptation Mountain
Matt 4:8-9 shows us Jesus being taken to a high mountain and shown all the kingdoms of the earth by the devil. Temptations focus on shortcuts, urging us to do things our own way rather than surrendering to God. Everyone will face temptation at some point in their lives; just as F1 drivers have seats moulded to their individual shapes and we can buy bespoke clothing which is tailor-made for us, so the devil knows how to ‘tailor’ temptation to hit our weak spots. Rather than being doomed to failure, however, God is our helper who watches over us daily (Ps 121:1-4), who does not tempt us (Js 1:13) and who both limits the temptation we face and provides a way out for us. (1 Cor 10:13) Temptation can be conquered!
2. The Transfiguration Mountain
In Matt 17:13, we read of Jesus being transfigured (illuminated) with glory, heavenly reality breaking through. Rev 1:7 reminds us that every eye will see Jesus in His glory; now we only see a reflection, part of the story (1 Cor 13:12), but Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3) and when He appears, we shall not only see Him as He is, but we shall be like Him. (1 John 3:1-2) God will transform us and we shall be changed!
3. The Transported Mountain
Matt 21:21-22 talks of faith moving mountains. Mountains are huge, solid and immovable, which can be both reassuring (eg Ps 125:2) and daunting. Mountains often symbolise the obstacles we face which make us feel puny and ineffective. Matt 10:29-31 reminds us of our Father’s care for us and God can both remove mountains and take us around them or over them, supplying all the strength we need. (Phil 4:19) God is bigger than any mountain we may face and He cares for us. Mountains are not big to the Mountain Maker and Mountain Mover! We can trust Him and see obstacles removed when we believe.