An avalanche on Mount Everest last month killed 16 Sherpa
guides. Closer to home, a 28 year old man died in a climbing accident
on El Capitan in Yosemite Park last year. No one can deny the danger of
climbing. Only the fearless attempt it. Likewise, the higher places of spiritual life are hazardous. The Psalmist acknowledges this when he says, “He makes my feet like those of a deer and gives me sure footing on high places” (18:33). The high places represent, spatially, closeness to God and greater spiritual sight (and insight).
The fear of spiritual heights is justified. If you fall—unlike nature’s climber, you will not be destroyed—you will be more hurt than the security-seekers on the ground! (But think of the ecstasies you would miss!) Take confidence in the “God who is able to keep you from falling and bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault” (Jude 24). Be fearless! Think about the spiritual revelations waiting for you at the summit! Think about Jesus high and lifted up.
Climbing to spiritual heights also involves, I think, a great level of misunderstanding. You see, feel, experience sceneries, temperatures, etc that are very unlike what is known in the plains or the valleys. 1 Corinthians 2:9: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Greg for the encouragement! Yes, I want to go where He is, I want the spiritual revelation He is longing to give. Jeremiah 33:3: "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty --inaccessible--things, which you do not know".
Come up higher! :)
Yes, I agree with you. The majority of Christians do not want to live in the heights. And they misunderstand those who do. Even though you may be alone in the heights, you will never be lonely!
ReplyDeleteI hope to never forget these words!
ReplyDelete