Coming Down from the (Rocky) Mount

This past summer, 19 youth and 5 adults (myself included) from Good Shepherd traveled to Rocky Mount, NC to take part in a Group Workcamp. Together, alongside a few hundred other participants from across the country, we labored and served deserving residents of that community. What resulted from that week of service, worship, and bonding was a powerful and unforgettable experience.

Events like that are often termed “mountain-top experiences.” And having been there... I would certainly give it that label. It makes me wonder though, how we came up with that term. I guess it’s because you feel as though you've reached a new height, like you’re on top of the world, or perhaps it’s because you've experienced and accomplished something so great you can’t imagine topping it. I can’t help but assume the term has its roots in the experiences of certain individuals recorded in Scripture. If you read through the Bible you’ll see that “mountain” plays a major role in many amazing stories... Moses on Mt. Sinai; Noah on Mt. Ararat; Mt. Zion; the Mount of Olives; the list goes on and on. And incredible things happened on those mounts, experiences that forever changed those who were there and encountered God at that place.

One of my favorite “mountain-top experiences” occurs in Matthew 17. In this passage, Jesus brings Peter, James and John (three of his BFFs) up a high mountain. Once they reach the top, “Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun. Then suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus” (vv.2-3). Peter, always the one to speak up and be heard, yells out, “Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here!” Then he proceeds to draw up blueprints for three “Hero-of-the-Faith” Memorials (v.4). But before he can finish, a giant luminous cloud overshadowed them and spoke... it was God. God showed up on that mountain and set a few things straight. Having just encountered God himself, the disciples fell to the ground in fear and shame. But Jesus, in his infinite kindness and love picked them up and comforted them (vv.7-8).

Now that’s a mountain-top experience! Literally! I can only imagine the disciples wanted to stay in that place forever, on top of that mountain, and bask in what they just saw, reliving the emotion of that experience. But in the very next verse Jesus is bringing them back down the mountain, back to the rest of the disciples, back to the real world where their lives carry on.

For many of us who attended the Workcamp (and for those who’ve been a part of one before), we can relate to this story. It was a mountain-top experience and we encountered God in many new ways. The emotion can only be described as a “spiritual high” and coming down from that can be difficult, even scary. Because up on that “mountain” it’s easy and it’s safe to experience God and express our emotions through worship, and bonding and service. But it’s not the real world for us. Yes, Rocky Mount is a real place with real people, and the Workcamp is a real thing, but it’s not where God has called us to remain. Jesus wouldn't allow his friends to stay on that mountain and we can’t stay at Workcamp forever. He has called us to come home and show others the amazing impact that experience has had on our lives and to share His love with those who may not know it. On the final night at Workcamp we heard the words, “Serving Jesus doesn't stop here.” So true! We are called to serve Him and others right here, right where we are. There is work to be done right here! That spiritual high can’t last forever and sooner or later we all have to come down from that mountain-top experience. But the same Jesus who picked up his disciples, walked with them, and vowed to remain in their hearts, extends the same comfort, presence, and promise to us as well. My hope and prayer is that the love He filled us with during that week would overflow into the lives of those we encounter here and now and that we would live lives forever changed by the power of God.

The descent from your mountain-top experience, whatever it may have been, doesn’t have to be a dead fall. There are so many ways for you to remain connected to God throughout the year. Get involved in worship and Youth Group. Make it a habit to read your Bible and pray everyday. Spend time with other Christians who will keep you accountable. Make sure you are being spiritually fed. And if you need help with any of those things, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask...