Climb Higher

Summer is for many of us the time to go on vacation. Some head to the ocean and others choose the mountains. We leave the everyday behind to res
t and relax.
Those of us who like the mountains and plan to hike up them often need to get up earlier, and the higher the mountain, the more promising the view from the top. Though it may be strenuous and exhausting, it is worth climbing higher. Worries and the cares of our jobs stay behind, and for children and youth, school and their studies are forgotten. We are headed towards the clouds. The lungs breathe mountain air and when the summit is reached, what a view, what a panorama! From such a height, the field of vision is expanded; the houses in the valley have become so small, the villages and towns in the distance so insignificant.
While in such a place, our thoughts often turn to the greatness of our God! We see the essence of God in creation. We see the eternal power and divinity and recognise how small man is in comparison with the majestic mountain ranges and giant cliffs.
Climb higher! Not only up the mountains and hills of this world. Our soul also longs to leave behind the everyday and trade the hustle and bustle for mountain air. Here we can be free from earthly trappings and soar to heavenly heights.
We know, however, that there is first a narrow gate before we reach the narrow path. The watchman stands at the gate and requires that we discard all unnecessary weight – the stones of guilt and sin need to be laid down. That has repulsed many because they prefer the broad path, giving in to the lust of the eyes and flesh and looking for a comfortable life while here on earth.
No matter what time period, there have always been those pilgrims who gave up the glory and wealth of this world, who preferred the divine, heavenly treasures, who were prepared to count the costs and they pressed through to eternal life. Throughout the years, so many have had a deep inner longing, a yearning in their heart for exactly what David prayed, “Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle” (Psalm 43:3).
Climb higher! To God’s mountains where we can breathe in the mountain air and find divine blessings and heavenly peace. We are aware that God’s Word asks each one of us. “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?” (Psalm 24:3).
For me it was completely clear: I, as a child of unbelief, living as a slave to sin with unclean hands, was lost and on the broad path headed to hell and damnation. I needed Christ, the Lord and Savior, and thanks be to God, salvation through His blood. Not through my own works or through my parents, but purchased by the precious blood of Jesus, cleansed from my sins and adopted as His child. Now I have been made acceptable to God and I belong to Him in order to praise His glory.
The disciples Peter, James, and John were allowed to be alone with the Son of God on the mountain. There He was transfigured before their eyes and His face shone as the sun. They then heard about God’s plans, of the outcome in Jerusalem, of His suffering, death and wonderful resurrection. Even the representatives of the law, Moses and Elijah, paled in comparison to the Lord’s glory and majesty. They saw Jesus and Jesus alone.
My dear reader, take time for the Lord, seek inner fellowship with Him. He will renew the strength of all those who wait on the Lord so that they mount up with wings like eagles, that they run and not grow weary, that they walk and not grow faint (see Isaiah 40:31).
Our desire should be the same as this song:
Bring me higher up the mountain,
in communion only with you!
In the light I see the fountain,
and Your blood purifies me.