Mountain of God
“And the Lord said, ’Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock” -Exodus 33:21
Moses and Elijah both stood before God in Mt. Horeb (known as Mt. Sinai). They looked for God when they faced trials, tribulation and confusion. Moses led the people of God out of Egypt at His command but constantly faced their bickering and resentment, so much so, that God called them a stiff-necked people. Elijah, ran from Jezebel after the prophets of Baal where killed and she searched for him to kill him. Moses came before the mountain of God and asked “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways…. After God had told him, “I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight” (Exodus 33:13,12)
After running Elijah wanted to die not because he was afraid of Jezebel but because he felt unworthy to be living. God calls Elijah and asks twice, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” as to which Elijah replies that he was zealous of the Lord God because the people had turned from serving Him. Both of these great men felt they needed reassurance that the path they were on was the one God has guided them towards. In serving God, they also felt inadequate, unworthy and disappointed at others around them who did not seek God with all their heart, mind and soul.
In times when we lack the courage to stand or continue; we must turn our eyes to the mountain of God where He is ever present. The place where we can rest assured that although storms may come He is the calm we seek. Elijah heard God in a still small voice, Moses felt God’s presence and both had a desire to do and accomplish what God has sent them out to do. In their trials, disappointments and unrest God gave them peace. In this peace, they learned to stand still and rest in His presence.
During Jesus’ transfiguration Scripture tells us that He was in a high mountain and transfigured so His ‘clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them and there appeared to them Elijah with Moses and they were talking to Jesus” (Mark 9:3-4, ESV). The great mountain where the Glory of the Lord shone brighter than we can imagine and talking to Him, Elijah with Moses. Moses and Elijah once more before the mountain of God but no longer in earthly form they stood before their Lord, Jesus Christ, and talked with Him. Moses had asked for God’s presence, Elijah felt unworthy of fathers yet he stood with Moses overshadowed by God’s presence.
In a world where our values, ethics and morals are in conflict with what is held by the majority. It can be easy to feel confused, disappointed and overwhelmed. It leaves us chasing space that does not exist but it can also help us run to the mountain of God where He abides and where we can find true rest. A place where God himself says to you, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor in my sight’ (Exodus 33:12)
Beloved, may you feel the reassurance that regardless of where you stand today. God is ever present and never far from you. He knows you by name and all your days have been appointed by Him. Daniel once asked God,”Oh my Lord, what shall be the outcome of these things?” to which God said for him to continue all the way until the end for ‘blessed is the one who waits and arrives’ (Daniel 12:8,12) Stand firm loved one, go your way until the end and in due time He will overshadow you with His glory where you shall no longer doubt but have the strength to stand.