Mountaintops

07 February, 2013

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. (Matthew 5:1-2 MSG)

Two millennia ago, travelers voyaged thousands of miles to catch a glimpse of this miracle man. Stumping the Pharisee’s, performing supernatural healing’s, and prophesizing the word of God, this was clearly not your ordinary Jew.

But, as Matthew 5 explains above, he saved the Sermon on the Mount, known to be the most famous sermon of all time, for a special few, the committed.

God goes where he’s wanted. If you give God your time, he’ll give you His spirit.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7)

Although this verse is accurate in terms of first encounters with the Lord, I firmly believe that we must seek God each day in order to form a real, lasting relationship. It is not just a one time thing; I find myself having to ‘re-open the door’ on a daily basis.

God calls us to fall in love with him over and over again.

Many people who live their lives perfectly content as lukewarm Christians get angry at God for not answering every meticulous detail of their prayers. They wonder why they struggle with depression, anxiety, and insecurities.

Picking up a Bible and reading for five minutes a week will most likely not lead to a strong relationship with the Divine. How often do you chat with your best friend, boyfriend, or mother?

“If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison.” (Luke 14:25)

God wants our time. More than that, he wants our hearts. He wants us to come to him with our questions and desires. He wants to help plan our lives. “It’s not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’ (MSG Romans 8)

The Apostle Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing.” (1Thessalonians 5:17) He wants us to go the extra mile and follow Him on that climb up the hillside, no matter how steep it may be.

Everyone has an innate desire to know God whether or not they’re conscious of it. Humans were designed to know their creator, which is why 73% of Americans specify themselves as Christians.

But, are all 73% pursuing an authentic relationship with Him?

Thousands of people gathered to hear Jesus speak, yet he climbed a steep mountain with only a few real believers, proving that God doesn’t make himself known to just anyone.

Following Him is a lifestyle, not a weekly hobby.

xoxo p