The imagery of the Old Testament uses mountains as the place where God resides. The book of Exodus refers to Moses’ skin as sunburned and windburned after exiting God’s presence in the mountains. However, there is something unique about mountains, often glanced over by those who read the Bible for the first time. According to Genesis 12:6-8, Abram builds the first altars, one in the place where God first revealed himself and the other up in the hill country between Bethel and Ai. It was on this mountain, where Abram called on the name of the Lord for the first time.
Unfortunately, this mountain top experience didn’t last long as Abram quickly turns to his old self, lying to save his own life. Since Moses wrote down the accounts of Abram well after his death, there isn’t any details like Jesus’ prayer with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:36-46. One can only speculate what Abram said to God as he returned in Genesis 13:3-4. Confession is a given, acknowledging his wrong thinking and asking God to provide daily bread for the remainder of the famine is likely as well. Nonetheless, this mountain held sentimental value. This was the place where Abram first began his personal relationship with God.
From a modern sense, Christian’s have a certain church, retreat center, city or place where they first met Jesus. Whenever believers lose their way, its vital to return to this place so that one can reconnect with God. Despite all of our shortcomings, God longs to spend time with his children. Therefore, before the summer comes to an end, go back to the mountain, to the place where you first met Jesus. May this journey bring peace to your soul!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 