GOD Morning! August 24, 2016 / Climb Mountains, Jesus Did!

GOD Morning!  August 24, 2016

Climb Mountains, Jesus Did!

Luke 21:20-38

²⁰ “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [hostile] armies, then understand [with confident assurance] that her complete destruction is near. ²¹ At that time, those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city (Jerusalem) must get out, and those who are [out] in the country must not enter the city; ²² for these are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. ²³ Woe to those women who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For great trouble and anguish will be on the land, and wrath and retribution on this people [Israel]. ²⁴ And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).

The Return of Christ

²⁵ “There will be signs (attesting miracles) in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves, ²⁶ people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; ³⁰ as soon as they put out leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is near. ³¹ So you too, when you see these things happening, know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near. ³² I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

³⁴ “But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; ³⁵ for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. ³⁶ But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”

Please, please, please, read and re-read the above scriptures. Jesus is coming, ready or not! I feel such a stirring in my spirit, as I go about my daily life. As I do my American things - pumping gas, grocery shopping, meeting a friend for lunch, and as I’m driving freely from point A to point B, my thoughts are on what lies ahead. At the end of the day, as I lie down in my tempur-pedic mattress, I am constantly thinking, “There are folks around the world who have nowhere to lay their head and no food to eat.” And, “Soon, life won’t be as it is now. My little easy breezy life is about to be turned upside down.”  These thoughts are with me all day long. Every day.

I used to feel bad for those living in countries with corrupt governments. Even though I knew we had some challenges with our government as well. Now America is headed down the same path. And woe to the nation who turns her back on God as we are doing. Destruction is ahead for us.

The only thing that comforts me is knowing that God will protect and shield His people. The ones who stand for truth. The ones who are unafraid to be a part of the minority who upholds God’s word. I’m glad that I’m a part of God’s Remnant. Even though it’s very unpopular and I am hated for it.

³⁷ Now in the daytime Jesus was teaching in [the porches and courts of] the temple, but at night He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. ³⁸ And early in the morning all the people would come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.

A few years ago, our family hiked up a mountain in Montana. When I woke up in the morning, alive and well, after sleeping all night in a tent, I promised myself that I would never attempt that again. I was convinced that we could have all been torn to pieces by a bear! I'm still not convinced otherwise. =)

But Jesus had no qualms about sleeping on a mountain.

“I have a bumper sticker that says, Climb Mountains – Jesus Did, and it’s true.  Jesus climbed a lot of mountains.  In fact, according to James Ridgeway, the founder of Educational Opportunities, a non-profit group that takes people on tours of the Holy Land, you can tell the story of Jesus by looking at mountains.  After his baptism, Jesus went up to a mountain where he was tempted.  Before big decisions like choosing his disciples, Jesus would go into the mountains to pray.  He multiplied the loaves and fishes and fed thousands of people in the mountains.  Jesus stood in the presence of Moses and Elijah on a mountain, on Palm Sunday he entered Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and on Good Friday he was crucified on Mt. Calvary.  His last words were given on the top of mountain and it was from that mountain Jesus was taken up into heaven.  So mountains played an important part in Jesus life, but it wasn’t just Jesus.  Mountains have always been special for God’s people.

 In a test of faith, Abraham was told to go to Mt. Moriah and sacrifice his son.

Mt. Moriah where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac

 When he got there, Abraham didn’t have to kill Isaac because on the mountain God provided a lamb.  Moses went to the top ofMt. Sinai to receive the 10 Commandments.

Mt. Sinai where Moses received the law.

 The prophet Elijah defeated all the false prophets on Mt. Carmel.

Mt. Carmel where Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal

 The most powerful message or sermon Jesus ever gave was from a mountain which is why we call it the sermon on the mount…”

The mountain where Jesus preached.  Andy Morgan, Faith Church

Okay, this makes me want to jump in the car and head for my beloved Montana! Cross country skiing high in the mountains (which I haven't done in many years) is my absolute favorite sport. In the moutains, God's amazing handiwork, I feel such a nearness to Him.

“Okay, Jesus, first of all, I must mourn and cry out to You for America. We are headed for destruction because of our evil ways. I must cling to You tightly! Oh God, guide me. Guide each decision that I make. Please don’t ever stop reminding me that the end is near. My heart must be clean. I must be constantly scrubbing out my heart. I must be looking to You. I must lift up my head for my redemption draweth nigh.

“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 10:28

And second of all, I want to cross country ski in Your mountains this winter. I’m looking forward to meeting You up there!!!

Thank You Jesus that I feel nothing but Your sweet presence in the midst of the turmoil. You will lead Your remnant every step of the way. You are more precious than fine gold. How I love You, my Jesus.”