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! If not, why not today? Peter, James, and John thought that Elijahs appearance on the mountain with Jesus that day surely was a fulfillment of prophecy. Living on a spiritual high all the time would make for an exhausting life, but there are lessons we can take from each moment and implant them into our routines. But the valley experience is just as important to our Christian walk. Both had been shown Gods glory on those mountains. 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). Appropriately enough, both Moses and Elijah, the greatest lawgiver and the greatest prophet, show up to talk with Jesus. Our future includes a great change- corruption-incorruption; mortal- immortal. The voice of the father, encouraged Jesus in his preparation for the cross. The next time you have a mountain top experience, whether its at church, on the mission field or in the comfort of your room for not all experiences are charged with emotion know those moments arent wasted. If there ever was a time for silence, this was it. Metamorphosis- An outward change that comes from the inside. Like the testing of Abraham ( Genesis 22:1-19 ), the receiving of the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 19-20:21) and, of course, the transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-13 ). Thats almost seven weeks of sitting around in the fog! Everything is tiny and nothing seems to matter when you are that far away from people. I'd love to go mountain - climbing. Moses finally made it to the promise land! But as Jesus and his inner circle stood on that mountain the Shekinah glory cloud overshadowed them. Question Origin of mountaintop First recorded in 1585-95; mountain + top 1 Words nearby mountaintop At least, that pattern held true for the likes of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. And I find myself squirming when I read that Moses spent six days engulfed in the clouds on the top of Mt. - the law and the, Prophets; the son of God and the three great apostles of the church they are talking about the Cross! Get our latest tips and leader helps with our free monthly e-newsletter. In the Bible, mountains are often the places where God encounters His people, changes their lives, and sends them back down to the world with a prophetic message. The Apostle who once fell at Jesus knees upon a miracle of Christ (Luke 5:1-11) now offers His skill in tent-making to the transfigured Messiah (Matt. And appropriately enough, a bright cloud overshadows them, and from the cloud a voice said, This is my Son, the Beloved; with whom I am well pleased; listen to him! As great as Moses and Elijah were, Jesus was and is greater still. So when it is too cold for an ice cream party, you can have a hot chocolate party instead! 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! The valley is not what you may think. It is always a good to say nothing when you dont know what to say! Heaven or Hell! This unmediated view of the living God happened once, and only once in the Old Testament. These three disciples are none as the inner circle; Jesus let them in on things the other disciples didnt get in on. When I heard that story, I identified with it so very much. 1. a natural elevation of land rising more or less abruptly to a summit, and attaining an altitude greater than that of a hill. 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. 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36) and is alluded to in Johns Gospel (John 1:14) as well as in 2 Peter 1:16-18 underscores that Peter, James, and John never forgot their trip with Jesus up on the mountain. 4. of or pertaining to mountains. A glorious, spiritual experience where you were alone with Jesus and your soul was lifted above this old world, and you got a taste of heaven. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up on a mountain; and they see His glory, they have a Mountain-Top Experience. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. But those were all just moments. Wrapping up in a warm blanket with a hot drink and some calming music is one of the best ways to spend and indoor kind of day. The relationships he had with family and friends had caused him both happiness and sorrow. The Israelites were deeply moved by what Moses reported, and promised to obey all that they had heard. Whoever has ears, let them hear. The believers present experience of hearing the Word of God parallels the experience of hearing the voice of God on the mountain. Climbing the mountain we now claim as Mt. Consider how Peter engages this question in 2 Peter 1:16-21. Others need to share with a close friend a detailed description of all they experienced. 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. But Jesus explained that Elijah had already come in the ministry of John the Baptist. 2023. We see Him working and moving throughout the lives of the people there, and we come home with a new vigor to live life differently, more passionately. Our job is to share Gods reconciliation with them and bring them to the mountaintop for their own personal experience with God. Mountain Top Experience's season generally runs from April through December each year. Have you trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Mountains typically have steep slopes and are understood to be. Have you been born again? Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast & Goodbye to Jack Liskey! Moses is a prime example of this. This past summer I worked every day in a place surrounded by mountains. I call them mountain-top experiences! Dear Lord, I thank you for every mountaintop experience I have had and look forward to more of them. Their eyes opened and they saw a whole new reality; the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. He fulfilled what the. Waiting feels like a waste of my time. And that moment made such an impression on Peter that years later he would refer to it in one of his New Testament letters as proof positive that that he didnt make up the gospel, but was an eyewitness to the very power and majesty of Jesus that changed his life forever. 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 respond as he calls you to trust him for eternal life. 1:16). As Christians, we long for experiences of the transcendent that we believe will forever change our perspective on life. Those who separate themselves to pray are the ones who see the Glory of Jesus! 17:1). In that silence, as I sat on the mountaintop looking at the miles and miles of land stretching out before me, I had what some might call a mountaintop experience.. Sinai a third time to get a new copy of the commandments we read in Exodus 34 that Moses face was shining so brightly with the spirit of God that he had to veil his face when he was around people. Jesus transformationcalled a transfigurationwas even more dramatic. Mountain top definition: the top of a natural upward projection of the earth's surface, higher and steeper than a. First off, there are a variety of flavors, from White Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Mint, Caramel and the list goes on. This is the walk all . He has it all in control. There we will walk in His paths and will be taught His ways. For instruction and revelation will come out from Mountaintop Worship Center. Those moments will hide themselves away, unsure as to their place in our routines. When we read His Word, the Majestic Glory of God speaks through His Spirit. Under his feet lay challenge after challenge that he had encountered along the way in his business and personal life. Your Promised Land Is Chosen by God for Your Freedom and Success. I created a Chill Pill playlist on YouTube for some relaxing vibes. The Holy Spirit really works through the sacrament of baptism. n. The summit of a mountain. The mountaintop experience enables the believer to remain stable when they reach low points in their life. We, of course, visited the ranger station and gift shop at the top, and chatted with one of the rangers about what short hikes we could do while we were at the top and about the recent snowstorm that made the road impassible. That could prove dangerous and manipulative. Baptism is NOT something we do. 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. That had to be a long six days. Now this isnt to say drop everything you are doing in life because it doesnt matter. When is the last time you had a mountain-top experience? Or did we just respond with emotions that were not actually genuine for the long run? But Jesus saves the day, and then sends his disciples on deeper into the valley, urging them to have the kind of faith that can move mountains, because they were just on one. Any place be it mountaintop, retreat center, or worship service, that can change you inside out should be considered dangerous. V:29-his arraignment was white and glistening. It matters not that the mountain is composed of a lot of stuff. Moses still had flaws that would prevent him from entering the Promised Land. And the thought of spending an additional 40 days in the fog listening for the voice of God doesnt excite me either. for a mountain-top experiences is that you will: Jesus was not alone on the mountain, two famous men from the Old Testament show up. I love to see goals attained after hard work. 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. Joe cartoons from the 80's that said, " Knowing is half the battle! Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says its Mt. -In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. (. It is interesting to imagine what it would be like to staff other peoples mountain top experiences. Mix it up using almond or coconut milk. There is so much to be done here in the valley. My belief is the valley is as good as the mountaintop and just as important to our spiritual growth. 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. White in the Bible speaks of purity, absolute holiness. Granted, Jesus did some of his best work on and around water, but he was a mountain man, too. In later reflection, Peter described what he heard as the Majestic Glory (2 Pet. But it seems that the visual experience did not generate the immediate fear and awe one might expect. These moments can be truly genuine and beautiful. A time when you just felt like Gods Spirit was all over you, and around you, and joy filled your heart, and you just felt like you were going to bust! Maybe your mountain top experience was giving your life to Christ for the first time at that altar call. From this mountain-top experience, we learn the purpose of mountain-top experiences. Carmel that Elijah staged his mesmerizing victory over 450 prophets of Baal when God breathed down fire from heaven at Elijahs request. Remember, Moses first met God at the burning bush on Mt. I love to see groups of people work together and everyone succeed. Believe: What Secret Does It Hold For You Today. This is my favorite source for everything Christian. adjective situated at the top or summit of a mountain: a mountaintop house. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. The sun shall not strike you byday,nor the moon by night. To grow and restore the family of Christ on the foundation of His Word and His promises. Some experiences are more calm and rational moments. This looks differently for everyone, but its a step we cannot ignore. If you have Netflix or Hulu, the possibilities of movies are endless. Taborthis time with his three closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. Then, for another forty days he remained in the fiery cloud of Gods presence, receiving still more revelation from God. mountaintop [ moun-tn-top ] SHOW IPA noun the top or summit of a mountain. (Mark 9:2-3 ESV) Jesus takes his inner circle to a mountain with him and they experience a "God thing." It was something unlike anything they had ever seen. Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. V:33-let us make here three tabernacles; one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Idioms: For Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. We need to pray with Neil Griffith, Builder of mountains, make me like a mountain, Firm let me stand against the winds of strife; Give me a soul that reaches up to heaven, But plant my feet in needs of human life. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Yes, I was on a literal mountaintop, but I am talking about a biblical mountaintop experience. If movies aren't your style or you need a quieter way to relax, pick up a good book. Still others need to spend time contemplating it all in the quiet of their own prayers. Then later, on the top of Mt. 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. For this reason, friends, its only fair to tell you that mountaintops can be dangerous places. Im glad Joani could share today because I really needed a fresh illustration of a mountaintop experience for this sermon! TheLordis your keeper;theLordis your shade at your right hand. These men NEVER forgot what they saw that night. The person and name of Jesus is a name that is above every name! A true Spiritual mountain-top experience always revolves around JESUS! There is absolutely nothing wrong with a mountain top experience. And as we immerse our lives in the majestic glory of the Word of God, we never need to. 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. SEE IT FOR THE FATHOMLESS MYSTERY THAT IT IS. It also known valleys are quiet places of rest and peace. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mountaintop.' The distinction between the two is clear (now). 1:20). Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and prophets pointed toward. In the presence of Jesus with the saints, talking about the Cross! 17:5), and Peter and the disciples fall to their faces (17:6). V:30-31-And behold, two men talked with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his decease, which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. A bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud. You will recall that Moses had to return to Mt. 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. Mixed in with all of that were some great memories and wonderful times of happiness, too. To hear the voice of God is to be led to the mountaintop. How can we reach this mountaintop?. V:36-And when the voice was passed, Jesus was found alone. This is where audiobooks are helpful. Afterwards, we go back into the valleys where we live our lives. 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. They didnt last for years. -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. Jesus would die on the Cross, be buried in a borrowed tomb, and rise again three days later. Copyright 2023, Good Faith Media | Site by, Lincoln Lessons: Real Church, Real Theology, New GFM Podcast on Race, Religion and Politics Drops in, Five Things to Listen for in Raceless Gospel Podcast. There will be times of recognition, success, fun, laughter, happiness, financial success and many wonderful experiences together with family and friends. 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. This is the walk Jesus makes of his life. On this mountaintop; theyre going to see who Jesus is; theyre going to see the glory of the son of God; theyre going to hear the voice of God as he says this is my beloved son. Is what youre worried about really worth the worry? Jesus asked his disciples, who do you say that I am? 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! II. Theyre moments when we experience God in an intense, intimate way. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Now, as we review Exodus 24 and Matthew 17, I want us to notice certain traits of mountaintop experiences. Peter said it is good to be here. Now would be the time to get involved in a church or Bible study. Thats because mountaintop experience is a figure of speech that comes right out of Holy Scripture. We learned this word in school, a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis, that caterpillar wraps a cocoon around itself and goes through the process of change. Romances and horrors are great genres to cozy up to in the dark. Mountains have a logical religious symbolism for Jewish and Christian cultures since they are "closer to God" who dwells in the heavens (as in the sky). The Word communicated the fullness of the glory of God manifested to them. Telling the stories from our mountain tops with others, sharing the insights we have learned and intentionally seeking out stories from others about their time on the mountain. Mountains are a symbol of steadfastness. Ron & Andrea Camier established Mountain-Top Experience in 1998 following Ron's retrenchment from brown coal research and development engineering due to the privatisation of the power industry. He was the God-Man, Immanuel- God with us! The sum total of all of the things he had done and experienced in life had brought him to the place where he stood at that moment in time. The realization that I could release control was like lifting bricks off my shoulders. They are solid and unmovable. 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. 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. Hermon. But as great as it will be to see our loved ones, the main person we will want to see will be 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 try to imagine what it was like went Jesus showed them His glory up on that mountain. He who keeps Israelwill neither slumber nor sleep. Perhaps they were previously lost, or filled with anger, depression, addiction, confusion. The word, . Soon, weekends can be filled with park trips and beach adventures, but for now, the weather is temperamental, so a movie night can suffice. glory cloud Ezekiel saw rise from between the cherubim and move to the threshold of the Temple because of Israels apostasy and then slowly rising to be seen no more from the Mount of Olives. 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. It was a great privilege to see Moses and Elijah, but Jesus was the son of God! Peter immediately recommended the building of three shelters, presumably so that all six people could stay together on the mountain indefinitely. The Cross was a great accomplishment; not an accident, tragedy, disaster! They would come down that mountain knowing without a shadow of a doubt who Jesus Christ was! Instead of presenting a contrast of experiences, Peter presents a parallel. In Exodus 24 God summoned Moses and a company of others to come back to the mountain. Processing doesnt mean well understand each detail of our experience. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. We stayed just outside the park, in full view of the snow-topped mountain range. Once weve processed our mountain top experience, well be able to face the valley without resentment or guilt. The glory cloud was the sign of Gods approval on the work that Jesus Christ had come to do; to die on the cross as a sacrifice for mans sin, and be raised from the dead the third day. But if we dont use what we have experienced on the mountain to affect the valley, then they might as well just be quick reactions to a fleeting moment. 17:4). While such fear is proper, it may and must be accompanied by hearing the other mountain-voice of the transfiguration. One trait that gets very little press is that mountain top experiences often involve waiting. Built a tabernacle of PRAISE for Jesus alone in your heart! I have established you on the mountaintop. Did you notice that Joani is in a waiting period after her time on the mountain? These days weve been talking about the sacred rhythms of spiritual formation. When the Bible says that Jesus was transfigured, it means that He became on the outside what He was on the inside. Jesus was God incognito, dressed in human flesh. 1:18), so the believer does well to pay attention to the Words of the prophets (2 Pet. To get on higher ground, to climb above the mundane, and get in the place where the glory of God can touch our lives, and we can see JESUS as He is in glory and power, and hear God speak to our hearts. The chosen son of God, the Savior of the world! 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. The problem .read more Jesus gives us his word that we might obey it, put it to practice in our lives, and live it out every day! Nighttime temperatures drop wellbelow zero, the air is razor-thin, and killer storms can strike without warning. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Through His Word, Jesus presents grace to frightened disciples on the mountain. That is the reality of the experience of this thing we call life. There is an actual valley connected to rough times and depression in Psalm 23, known as the shadow of death, that is outside of Jericho in Israel. for who he really is, in all of his love, grace and glory, it is a mountain-top experience! The other gospel writers say his raiment was white as snow, as no washer on earth could make them. (see Exodus 19)We need the mountaintop experiences to experience the glory of God and receive revelation. No wonder Peter fell to his face. Upon seeing Jesus shining as the sun, Peter offers a surprisingly casual and perhaps clueless initial response. there is only one way to be saved and that is through. Do what I have called you to do, and people will say, Let us go to Mountaintop Worship Center. 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. We know how important it is to feed our faith and build our knowledge through reading Christian books. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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. Worrying about finances doesnt measure up to what really matters in life. As soon as Jesus and company reach the summit, he undergoes the mysterious process of transfiguration. How do we come down the mountain and begin living normal life while holding onto what weve learned? -For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A sermon delivered by David Hughes, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Winston-Salem, Nc., March 6, 2011. I have had my fair share of mountain top experiences, both literal and spiritual. He will teach us about his ways so that we may walk in his paths. For instruction will go out of Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3 CSB). And so: Often, 2 Peter 1:16-21 is presented with the idea that Peter contrasts the visual mountain experience with the Word-based experience of heeding the prophetic word more fully confirmed (2 Pet. Of all the things the apostles witnessed, none was more spectacular and the vision of the glorified Christ on top on the Mount of Transfiguration. And if weve implanted them in some way in our present, then revisiting them will prove a way to spur us on as we continue to live changed. So many of us begin to desire to leave God's mountaintop through lax engagement with God's Word because the experience feels so ordinary. top maun-tn-tp Synonyms of mountaintop : the summit of a mountain Example Sentences Recent Examples on the Web Barkley spent his final four seasons with the Rockets, but the team's big threecomprised of him, as well as Olajuwon and Clyde Drexlerwas never able to get them back to the NBA mountaintop. For after the disciples fall in fear, the Divine Voice speaks again on the mountain. And one day he would return with clouds of glory at his second coming. Click the link below to sign up for updates from Good Faith Media via our daily or weekly e-newsletters. Barkley spent his final four seasons with the Rockets, but the team's big threecomprised of him, as well as Olajuwon and Clyde Drexlerwas never able to get them back to the NBA, Later that day in February, Ms. Dean visited the, The Tanners handed the Red & Black their first loss of the season and reminded everyone who sits atop the Middlesex, The duo in recent days flew back to Los Angeles from the snowy city of Aspen, Colorado, where they were huddled in deep planning, and now like holy figures coming down from the, The best team in the states largest classification reached the, In the film, Korean detective Hae-joon (Park Hae-il) is probing the death of a climber who fell from a, Post the Definition of mountaintop to Facebook, Share the Definition of mountaintop on Twitter, The businesss new computer system proved not to be a. After a certain amount of time the caterpillar comes out of the cocoon a butterfly. But the ecstasy was short-lived because when Jesus predicted his suffering and death on a cross, Peter reacted so negatively to this unexpected news that Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me, Satan! 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. God knows how our brains work and how our individual personalities respond. 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; . After clarifying among the three who the real hillbilly is (its the one who has Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. Like if you take one step forward you will fall endlessly and helplessly. The mission field proves a common place where we experience God in new ways. They saw for the first time the dazzling Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ! When it happens, they become excited and zealous for God. Jesus skin and clothing no longer glowed. Why not begin to consider what stuff makes up your own mountain? What matters most is that you end up standing on top of it all rather than being consumed by it! Learn a new word every day. However, there will be times of hard work, traffic jams, taxes, wasted time, frustrating situations, wrecked dreams, lost money, broken relationships and the list of challenges that we face at some point in our lifetime could go on and on. I have ordered from them with great satisfaction for over 20 years. Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. The speaker concludes talking with an invitation to come to the altar and lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus. I walked down that mountain with a fresh, new fear for the Lord and new readiness to serve Him and only Him. Maybe the thinness of the air, the lack of oxygen, or the exhaustion when we finally reach the top? the last of the apostles to die, he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos. Then in Matthew 17, Jesus is once again climbing a mountaintradition says it's Mt. So what next? The fact that the transfiguration is reported in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matt. It dishonored Jesus; it put Jesus on the same level with Moses and Elijah! encourage them and help them in the days ahead. 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!