The Higher PlaceSample

Climbing to a higher place

Climbing a mountain is an activity that drains energy and tests patience and determination. More than that, considering the natural conditions and terrain that must be faced, intensive preparation and training are needed before climbing. The question is why do these climbers still choose to pay the price to reach the top of the mountain? The answer that most often appears based on surveys is that these climbers want to get to know themselves better and enjoy the scenery and natural beauty at the top of the mountain that cannot be found on the low grounds.

How about our faith journey with God? Climbing to higher ground speaks of ascending into His dwelling place, entering His presence, and receiving His word. The Lord dwells on His holy mountain, and we have to pay a price and face the challenges to get there. Yet what awaits each of us on the higher ground far outweighs the price and challenges we face along the way. God Himself, the good Father and the Creator of heaven and earth and everything in it is waiting to reveal Himself, His love, and His power in and through the lives of those who climb His mountain. What a beauty that cannot be compared to anything in this world!

Everyone who accepts Jesus as Savior has access to a higher place through His sacrifice on the cross. At the same time, that person's identity has been changed from a servant to a child. Unfortunately, God's children often still see everything from the eyes of a servant and not on God's promises for each of His children. Rising to a higher place allows every believer to take the place of a child and see the problem from heaven's perspective rather than wrestling on low ground based on the logic and feelings of a servant.

Today is a good time to start climbing to higher ground. Just as Abraham went up to Mount Moriah to offer Isaac, let us not ascend empty-handed. Let's build an altar in His dwelling place and bring the best offerings of thanksgiving, praise, and worship to our God. That's when God will reveal Himself, His greatness, and mercy as the God who provides. People will witness that the Lord will provide on the mountain (Genesis 22:14) and therefore flock to the house of the Lord (Isaiah 2:2).

Reflection:

·Do you see everything that is happening in your life right now from your position as the son of the King of kings?

·What will you take to the Lord's mountain today as an offering that pleases Him?