Dec 16

The ways which the world's religions seek to reach God are often ways that are arduous and require much sacrifice on the part of those who follow them, like a long trek up a mountain slope in an effort to reach the top. This panders to the pride of man, giving him something he can point to as his payment to reach the highest point of the mountain, God.

But all these other ways, these other mountains, God has rejected. He will have nothing to do with man's own efforts to save himself, to reach the top alone, on his own. Instead, God simply comes to the mountain of his own choosing and makes it his own. He has chosen his only Son, Jesus, as the one way, the one mountain, by which all mankind may reach the highest peak. There is no other way, no other mountain, that is so honored.

"Why gaze in envy, O rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign, where the Lord himself will dwell forever?" (Psalm 68:16).

As the end of the world approaches, well may it stand in envy, awe, and wonder at those who refuse to flee to the world's mountains in a vain attempt to escape the dark forces released at that time. Instead, they will stare in amazement at God's people remaining steadfast upon the mountain of God, Jesus Christ, and going out boldly to proclaim him as the highest peak and the only place of refuge in the storm.

"The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion" (Prov. 28:1).

Scripture for today: Psalm 46
Thought for today: Human strength is no match for evil.
Prayer for today: Lord Jesus, continue to so change my inner spirit that I will not flee in fear whatever the challenge before me, but that I will stand firm in you, the mountain of God and my strong place of refuge.

DEC 16