Mountain Climbing
I am not much of a mountain climber. I have taken some nice hikes out west that ended quite high with some beautiful views. I was also a participant in some cable car rides that deposited me high in the Alps and the peaks of Transylvania. But to really be a mountain climber takes effort, training, preparation, and a passion for getting “up" to see the world. Interestingly enough, YHWH, through the prophet Isaiah, tells the people of God to do some mountain climbing, "Go on up to a high mountain” (Isaiah 40:9).
As we are going to discover this weekend, God is encouraging His people to become rock jocks for the purpose of heralding the good news of the Gospel. The basic message seems to be that once God makes us characters in His story we are to become carriers of His story. As with all mountaineering endeavors we will have to overcome fears, find a source of strength, and be carried along by our passion to gain a perspective on this world that is worth shouting from high places. Where will we find this courage, strength and passion? The message we are to carry is also the answer we need, “Behold your God!” (Is. 40:9).
I look forward to seeing you this weekend and diving into this marvelous text. I do have a favor to ask. Our 10 am service was a little more crowded these past couple of weeks than we would like it to be. There is plenty of room in the 11:30am service. If a few of you 10am folks would consider taking a turn each week at 11:30am, we could balance the services out a bit. I realize that 11:30am is not the most convenient time, but making that sacrifice would be a service to many. Don’t forget to RSVP for services here.
Finally, plans are underway for a joint Christmas Eve service with Gracehill. We plan to incorporate some neighborhood caroling ahead of time, and make the service available via livestream.
Time to get climbing …
Photo by Diogo Tavares on Unsplash