Wow!
I didn’t know what else to say.
Wow!
Around every corner there was another incredible spectacle of the majesty and greatness of God. I was overwhelmed. I was overcome. I was… speechless.
Sure, there were myriad other words I could have chosen; words that would have better described the grandeur unfolding before our eyes. Awesome, spectacular, stupendous, phenomenal, breathtaking, magnificent, wonderful, sensational, amazing, dazzling, marvelous, and incredible were all words I could have chosen to use, but all I could say was…
Wow!
I know, a little weak. In literary terms, pathetic. However, the truth is, that’s all that kept effusively gushing out of my mouth.
Anne and I were driving on a gloriously clear, sunny, summer day on the Icefields Parkway – Highway 93 – from Lake Louise to Jasper. The highway begins in Banff National Park and continues on into Jasper National Park. This 230 kilometre stretch of road is considered one of the most spectacular drives in the world.
The highway is named for its tremendous glaciers which flank its western side. It weaves up and around the mountains between Banff and Jasper National Parks, paralleling the Great Divide. The mountains are the “wow” in the drive. While driving you are surrounded by massive, majestic, mountainous, fortress-like cathedrals to the glory of God.
We were in the presence of giants: great, grand, glorious, gargantuan guardians of the glory of God.
I wanted to savour this time in the mountains, but it was sadly just a part of the journey, not our ultimate destination. I left feeling enriched and satisfied, yet hungry and thirsty for more. Like experiencing a precious touch of God during a time of prayer and worship, my heart was full, but I longed for more…
Mountains are found throughout scripture. There are over three hundred references to mountains in the Bible. God called Moses from the burning bush on Mount Horeb. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai. Jesus regularly went up a mountain to pray and to get away from the crowds. Jesus was transfigured and met with Moses and Elijah on a mountain.
Daniel’s vision as documented in Daniel chapter 2 depicts God’s Kingdom as a mountain that fills the whole earth. Scripture often refers to God’s Holy Mountain where He resides. God’s righteousness is described as the highest mountain.
King David asks, “Who can ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in His holy place?” We are told by Isaiah in chapter 57:13 “But the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain.” Later on in verse 15 of chapter 57 the Lord tells us,
“I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.”
God’s glory, His holiness, His Kingdom, His righteousness and His presence are all metaphorically associated with mountains. Why? Because I believe there is nothing more awesome and breathtaking on earth than a massive, majestic mountain.
We have done a fair bit of hiking and climbing in the mountains over the years. Here is something I have learned about the mountains: though stunningly gorgeous, they are not easily accessed. It takes effort to get to the top of a mountain.
To have a “mountain top experience” takes effort.
I believe it is the same with God. He is stunningly gorgeous and glorious, and it takes effort to discover and experience the true riches of His presence and purposes. If we seek God we will find Him if we seek Him with all our hearts. Seeking God with all our hearts takes effort. Loving God with all our heart, soul mind and strength takes effort. Taking refuge in Him takes effort.
Having clean hands, a pure heart and not lifting up your soul to idols takes effort. Choosing to be humble and contrite takes effort. Choosing to live courageously, in confession and communion with God, in community with His people, and in combat with our spiritual foes takes effort.
To truly experience the “wow” of God, takes effort. But oh, is He worth our effort.
God. Wow!
Psalm 24:3-6
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.”
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Psalm 95: 3, 4
“For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.”