Most everyone has a mountain top story or memory. Many recall their first visit to The Smokies and a vigorous hike up Mt. Leconte. Some of us tell stories of being up on one of the many 14,000 ft. mountain peaks in Colorado. Other mountains? What sights one can see high up on a mountain!

Two of our texts for this Sunday are about high places! Mark recounts Jesus on Mt Tabor (?) in lower Galilee with Elijah and Moses appearing! The 2 Kings text describes the prophet Elijah going upward to heaven in a whirlwind as a chariot and horses of fire appear! Paul in 2 Corinthians speaks of the glory of Christ, the light of the gospel, but that is often hidden by “the god of this age.” People look but do not see because they are looking in the wrong places quite often. They never look up! They never look for the Holy One!

Whenever we do encounter God in high (or low) places, in worship or in nature or…..you name it (!), it leaves an impression. We remember the experience and it becomes one of many foundations for our ongoing life of faith.

The key is faith! Trust! In spite of never perhaps having another mountain top experience in the Lord! Faith walking is sometimes more like being on a highway that is flat, routine….sort of like driving from Nashville to Memphis (!). Okay, I suppose, but not very exciting. Both mountain and flat stretch are part and parcel of the Christian life. Sometimes a great view with great company (Elijah and Moses), sometimes with not much to see and in the company of some people and some situations blocking the view!

Mountains, valleys, exciting moments, shadowy times….they come to each and all. What stays with us? Memories of the great moments….and hopes for that which is even greater. We live out of the past gifts of God to us, and also that which is yet to be given. We are people of faith, experience, tradition, and the community of the saints. We celebrate these different gifts in worship.

Invite someone to worship this Sunday…someone who may need to stir a memory, or someone who needs to have hope for something greater than what they are going through now! Past, present, and future….they are all there in worship, in church life, in the community of faith. Be a part of it!

Blessings!

Pastor Barry