Mountains elevate spiritual inspiration
Mountains have always held a place of awe and mystery across cultures and religions, embodying physical grandeur and spiritual significance.
I have always loved mountains, looking at them and climbing them.
In the Bible, mountains are more than just impressive geological formations, such as the drive into Banff, Alberta. They are places of divine encounter, blessing and even judgment.
A thought was sparked during a recent visit to Kilimanjaro Airport, where I witnessed the majestic presence of Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The sight of the mountain was a moment of profound reflection, standing on the African plain at a height of 5,895 metres above sea level.
I began conversing with a Kenyan agricultural scientist seated next to me as we gazed at the white-capped peak. He shared how the fertile fields surrounding Kilimanjaro owe their abundance of crops to the mountain, a revelation that inspired thoughts on the biblical metaphor of living in the shadow of God’s mountain.
As I bounced around in that small twin-engine plane that attempted to land as it battled the crosswinds, I pondered how mountains are often depicted as the setting for pivotal events in the Bible.
Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai,
Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, and the Transfiguration occurred on a mountain.
These are not just backdrops but integral to the encounters with the divine, symbolizing closeness to God, spiritual elevation, and revelation. Living by a biblical mountain is akin to constantly being aware of God’s presence and guidance.
The intriguing discussion with the scientist aboard my flight highlighted a parallel between the physical benefits bestowed by Mount Kilimanjaro and the spiritual nourishment provided by the “mountain of the Lord.”
Kilimanjaro’s towering presence brings life, moisture and stability to the surrounding lands, creating fertile soils.
Biblical mountains represent sources of divine wisdom, moral law, and sanctification.
They remind me that living in the shadow of something much more significant than us can bring about a life of purpose sustained by nutrients of faith, hope, and love.
This parallel draws a beautiful analogy: just as the land thrives around Kilimanjaro, a life centred around the spiritual “mountain” of God’s presence is fertile ground for growth and transformation. It shows us how closeness to the divine influences our lives, shaping our actions and character.
The question is, are we cultivating the fertile soil around our own personal mountains?
Are we drawing nearer to the Lord, allowing His presence to enrich and guide us?
The ancient prophet wrote: “the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.” Micah 4:1.
Happy Climbing.