Because we are!
“In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt,
(Exodus 19: 1-6a NASB)
on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
When they set out from Rephidim,
they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness;
and there Israel camped in front of the mountain.
Moses went up to God,
and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying,
“Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians,
and how I bore you on eagles’ wings,
and brought you to Myself.
Now then,
if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant,
then you shall be My own possession
among all the peoples,
[God’s special treasure]
for all the earth is Mine;
and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ . . .”
A few years ago, well several years now as I recall the year and the age our daughter was back then. My husband served as a Seabee in the Navy, and he was commissioned to live there (for time in the northeastern part of California), as he trained to drill for water wells. As you might imagine, we traveled to visit him (my daughter and I), and the daily morning image remains etched in my mind.
You see, Ridgecrest is surrounded by mountains: Four to be exact.
- To the west—the Sierra Nevada.
- To the east—Argus Range.
- To the north—the Coso Range.
- To the south—El Paso Mountains.
Each day, as I stepped outside to enjoy the morning, I stood at the base of the mountain; yet despite where I stood and which direction I faced: I stood in awe.
Amazingly, the peak of the mountain was snow-capped, and the summit of the mountain pointed upward, as if no vegetation existed. I could have camped in that very spot forever.
Again, may I say—I stood in awe—daily!
I love to go to the sea, and I love to go to the plain, and I love to go to the mountain, but if I needed to remain in one place forever—I would remain in the place of the mountain. WHY? You may ask. The answer is really quite simple:
- A mountain does not do anything—BUT STAND IN MAJESTY!
- A mountain does not perform any task—BUT JUST BE A MOUNTAIN!
The psalmist wrote it best.
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
(The Psalms 121: 1-4 NASB)
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Because of Christ Jesus—we are complete!
We “lift up our eyes to the mountains;”
Because of our Savior Jesus—we belong to the Father!
Our “help comes from the LORD.”
Because of our Redeemer—we have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling inside us!
“He will not allow your foot to slip;”
Because of Jesus’ death, burial & resurrection to new life—we too will live again when we die!
“He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Because of Jesus—we are complete—Because we are!
“Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Thus, the LORD GOD of the universe commands us: those who believe & those who have received His gift of salvation—
“Now then,
(Exodus 19: 5-6a NASB)
if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant,
then you shall be My own possession
among all the peoples,
[God’s special treasure]
for all the earth is Mine;
and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ . . .”
- Despite the trouble—
- No matter the life-struggle—
Because we are GOD’S, may we never forget from where our help comes.
- Despite the situation—
- No matter the life-stress that comes to us—
Because we are GOD’S, may we look to the mountain.
- May we behold GOD daily.
- May we keep our spiritual eyes upon the LORD.
Because we are GOD’S precious possession, may we be found faithful, obedient children.