Reaching New Heights

Illustration

Few things can compare to scaling high mountain peeks. The views from atop these mountains are breathtaking in their beauty and magnificence. The highest peaks on each of the seven continents are as follows: Australia-Mt. Kosciusko at 7316 feet; Antarctica-Vinson Massif at 16,860 feet; Europe-Elbrus at 18,860 feet; Africa- Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet; North America-Mount McKinley at 20,320 feet; South America-Mt. Aconcagua at 22,835 feet and Asia- Mt. Everest at 29,035 feet. These mountain peaks have been a challenge to climbers for many years and continue to test people’s endurance to make it to the top. Many people have attempted to scale these lofty peaks. Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first recorded people to conquer the peak of Mt. Everest. Unfortunately, not everyone has been so successful. More than 160 people have died trying to climb to the peak. Despite the number of deaths, people continue to pay millions of dollars to guides to lead them to the top.

I have never been to the peak of Mt. Everest, but I am a Georgia boy with a mountain story of my own. Brass Town Bald in North Georgia is the highest point in the state at 4784 feet. My wife and I have made the climb to the top. The conditions are somewhat different from that of Mt. Everest. It was breathtakingly beautiful as we climbed our way to the top. That is where the similarities to Everest end. The pathway to the top is paved for ease of waking. It has benches all along the way. In fact, we saw many folks stop and sit and tell their family members to continue on to the top and pick them on the way down!! These benches are representing settling for less then the peak. We as church members have become satisfied with mediocrity settling for less than the best for God.

Explain verse 27

Jesus was in a way telling his disciples that three of them would see the kingdom of God before they die. He was describing wiithout telling the entire events of the upcoming transformation.

Let us look now at three ways to reach new heights in our Christian walk.

1. Be prepared Verse 28

a. The mountain top will not come to you; you must go to it

i. At the transfiguration 3 things occurred

1. Jesus’ face became bright as a flash of lightning

2. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus

3. Jesus spoke of His departure

ii. The word Decease = Exodus

1. As in salvation of the Israelites from Egypt

iii. Note the words “ about to accomplish”

1. Speaking of the work He will do you all men – Jew and Gentile

b. Every mountain has different demands.

i. When climbing a mountain it would be best not to leave out in dress shoes.

c. You must be prepared to by Jesus Christ in order to make great strides in His name

i. Anything done for you and your name will not count in eternity.

d. There are two major preparation in life

i. One Are you prepared by His Decease?

1. Have you accepted Jesus Christ ?

ii. Two- Are you ready to be used by God

1. If you are holding on to your own special desires – your personal items – You are not prepares to reach new heights

2. Note Peter wanted to bring earthly customs into the heavenly realm

a. Building a shed for:

i. Jesus

ii. Moses

iii. Elijah

b. Peter spoke without thinking

A.W. Tozier said:

The man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can’t make a wrong choice – any choice will be the right choice.

2. Be Alert Verse 32

a. Be careful not to sleep through a blessing of God

b. What if Peter James and John had slept through this?

i. Sometimes we are not aware God is at work around us because we are not alert

1. I am too tired to go to church

2. Too tired to read my Bible

3. Too Tired to pray

c. Being alert =Parable of the sower

i. Mark 4:2-10

1. The twelve was alert and sought a deeper understanding

ii. 1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

3. Keep moving Verse 35 and 36

I understand that ½ way up Mt. Everest there is a beautiful view. There is even a lodge located there that people can just sit and look out.

Many people like the view so much they stop right there.

a. God tells them to hear His son

i. His sons last recorded words Before his ascension