The Mountain


Psa 24:3  Who can climb Mount GOD? Who can scale the holy north-face? 
Psa 24:4  Only the clean-handed, only the pure-hearted; Men who won't cheat, women 
who won't seduce. 
Psa 24:5  GOD is at their side; with GOD's help they make it. 

	Several years ago my brother and I got to spend a few months in Africa 
working with a missionary. On the way back we took a couple days to climb 
Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 19,335.6 ft. We took the standard tourist 
route, which took us through equatorial jungle, past timberline, and finally to the glacier 
topped summit. Although the climb was long and hard, the view along the way and 
especially at the top was worth all the effort. It was an incredibly memorable experience 
for me and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to have done so. 
	While the view along our path was most impressive, we discovered as we arrived 
at the peak on the last day that, as might seem obvious, ours was not the only route of 
ascension. Also arriving at the top, but from a northerly direction was a small group that 
included a missionary and his son. They informed us that they had climbed a much more 
difficult, but much more interesting north face of the mountain that was not accessible to 
the common tourist. Somehow, because of their relationship with the government and 
their proven knowledge and experience of the area, they were allowed to make the climb 
from various approaches. They were also able to explore more extensively the volcano 
and surrounding elevated areas, while the rest of us were quickly taken back down to the 
safety of the lower elevations to avoid altitude sickness. Even though we were feeling the 
exhilaration of the incredible view, exhausted from our strenuous climb, and ready to 
finally descend, we found the privilege of these other explorers to be very fascinating and 
somewhat compelling. Ours had been a wonderful experience of a lifetime, but for those 
special few who had taken the time to become qualified through years of proving 
themselves, there was unlimited access to a world of adventure that would never be 
known by the less committed. 
	There is another great Mountain of discovery waiting to be ascended by all. Like 
Kilimanjaro, He can be seen from very far away, and He stands there, continually 
inviting all to leave the comforts of the plain for the adventure of a lifetime. Many have 
heeded that call and have committed themselves to the climb. The vast majority of them, 
though have had an experience that has made an unforgettable mark on life and forever 
changed the way the world and life itself is seen, yet it has been a one time experience, 
with no further climbing beyond the well-worn path. There may be many memories well 
represented by the framed photos on the wall and in albums, but there is no sense of 
passion to become one that not only ascends the mountain, but also remains there, 
eternally discovering the next wonder, the next glory. To become one of those "mountain 
dwellers" would require not only the commitment of a few days, but also the dedication 
of a lifetime. There are many different ascents, each with uniquely incredible vantage 
points, but qualification to discover them requires giving time that was once spent on the 
old plain living, for gaining experience, skill and understanding in the way that is kept 
from the casual seeker of adventure. There may be a duly gained t-shirt with "I Climbed 
the Mountain", or "I'm a Christian" across the front, but less common is the commitment 
to wearing the garments of righteousness and holiness required for the unending 
adventure of a lifetime. 
	It was worth it for Scott and me to make the Kilimanjaro climb. We truly had a 
life changing experience. We have also made the climb to the mountain of God, and have 
found the view and experience to be incredibly awesome. But, we have both given 
ourselves to become more than the one route ascender. We have committed completely to 
do whatever it takes to find yet again a magnificent exposure of our Mountain's wonders. 
Qualification will never come through our own experience or skill alone. However, there 
is an ability obtained in every moment Jesus is given His place, and as we are in Him, we 
are enabled to leave the old temporal "things" of the lowland for the ever new and 
exciting elevated "things" above the clouds. Some of the most rewarding destinations 
may require an incredible amount of discipline and determination, with uncompromising 
dedication to holiness. The arrival there in the wonder of His presence is always more 
than enough reward, though, and there is a renewed inspiration to yet progress to the next 
glory. 

11/13/05