The Mountain is Out
By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president
Those of us who live in western Washington know what the phrase, “The mountain is out” means.
We instinctively know that we are talking about a nice day when we can look toward the east and see Mt. Rainer. It is a majestic sight that can be seen from many parts of this area. It can be seen from many different angles and never disappoints.
At times we see the mountain with what looks like a round cloud on top like a hat. Some have doubtless seen it from the air when coming in for a landing at the airport. Other times at sunset we see it bathed in a wonderful pink glow as the suns drops below the horizon. At times it feels like you should just be able to reach out and touch the mountain and scoop up a handful of cool snow. It is a famous mountain that many come to see from around the world.
Of course, there are other times when the mountain is totally hidden in the gray clouds that are also famous for this area.
Yet those of us who live in this area instinctively know the basic direction and area in which to look because we know the mountain is there. Others not familiar with the area have to have someone point out the direction to look as we tell them that the mountain is right over there. Visitors have to believe us when we tell them it is there even though they can’t see it.
Why do they believe?
They have seen pictures or movies or have been told about the majestic mountain. Maybe they believe it’s there because of the enthusiasm we talk to them about that mountain. They know it is there because they are talking to someone who has seen the mountain and who has been to the mountain.
David wrote a song that said,
I will lift up my eyes to the hills, From whence comes my help.
He was not just telling us of the majesty and beauty of the hills. He was telling us to look to the Creator of those hills for the power and strength that only comes from God. Many of the greats in the Bible have stories of going to the hills for quiet time with God. Moses, Aaron, Elijah, David, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all spent time in the hills talking to God. Jesus visited the Mount of Olives as well as the Mount of Transfiguration. All are examples of people who went to the hills to spend time with God.
We can always look to God when we clearly see His hand in our lives, and we can always look to God when it seems cloudy and overcast.
We are to keep looking up, that faith may bind us to the throne of God. Do not look down as though you were bound to the earth.
When we know God and keep looking towards Him in the clear times and the cloudy times, we can and will talk with enthusiasm about Him to those who may be wondering about Him.
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.
Jesus prayed not only for us to believe, but for those who would believe because we pointed others towards Him.