Tag Archives: mountain

Roadtrip

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PB and I took a road trip to Montana. We drove 80 mph across smooth blacktop highways. We pulled over occasionally to pick up snacks and fill the gas tank. We stopped for the night and enjoyed a comfortable air-conditioned room with a soft mattress and hot shower. Breakfast was prepared and ready for us in the morning. We passed the hours by listening to audio books, podcasts and ball games.

As we sped down the interstate, I couldn’t help but think about my great-great grandparents, who journeyed from Wisconsin to Montana in 1886. They headed west to claim 160 acres of free land as a result of the Homestead Act, enacted by Congress four years earlier. There were no paved four-lane highways, no rest areas with flush toilets and no Holiday Inn Express hotels with hot breakfasts.

If Grandpa John and Grandma Harriet could see us now, they would be in awe at the speed in which we travel and the luxury we enjoy along the way. Life sure has changed since 1886.

Thankfully, some things haven’t changed —
things like mountains, rivers, and the famous Big Sky.

“Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days…
in whose light everything seems equally divine,
opening a thousand windows to show us God.”
John Muir

“You created the mountains by your power,
and demonstrated your strength.”
Psalm 65:6

Promised Land

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I have always felt bad that Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land.  After all, he did spend 40 grueling years with a bunch of stiff-necked people in a desert.  Because of one little incident, Moses was disqualified and didn’t even get to reach his little toe over into the land of promise.

Evidently when God says, “Speak to the rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water,” and instead you speak to the people (“Listen, you bunch of rebels…”) and hit the rock not once, but twice – you’ve crossed the line.  Moses lost it, and God was dishonored in front of a million Israelites.  Frustration can push you over the edge sometimes.

Just before Moses died, God had him climb a mountain (again) and allowed him a panoramic view of the Promised Land.  Oh, how Moses must have longed to see the 40 year mission to its completion and lead a glorious march into Canaan.  But, a glimpse was all he got.  Which is why my heart skipped a beat when I read Mark 9:4, “And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.”

Jesus had led Peter, James and John up a high mountain.  Suddenly, as Jesus began to transform before their eyes, Moses and Elijah appeared.  And where were they?  Smack dab in the middle of the Promised Land, that’s where!  By God’s grace, Moses finally made it!  Sure, it was 1,400 years later, but how sweet of God to allow Moses to stand on that mount with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6