Mountains of Salvation

Luke 9:28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, 31 appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters-- one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." (He did not know what he was saying.) 34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.

In preparing for Transfiguration Sunday, the Holy Spirit gave me a special insight – that our salvation can be chronicled in mountains.

God revealed His holy will to Moses and the Israelites upon Mount Sinai.

God revealed His fiery justice to Elijah and the prophets of Baal upon Mount Carmel.

God revealed His Son’s divinity in its splendor to three disciples upon the Mount of Transfiguration (traditionally believed to be Mount Tabor).

God revealed His mercy and forgiveness to the world as His Son, chosen for this purpose, died upon Mount Calvary (Golgotha, the place of the skull).

Then 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (traditionally believed to be the site of Christ’s ascension).

One day we will finally be led out of this valley of death and despair. Because Jesus fulfilled what took place on Mount Sinai. Because Jesus won salvation upon Mount Calvary. Because Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives to prepare a place for us in heaven. Because of all these mountains, we may one day be called out of the valley in order to climb to and stand upon Mount Zion, the new Jerusalem in heaven. (Revelation 14:1)

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