Isaiah 2:2-5
“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s Temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills and all the nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.’ The law will go out from Zion, the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Mountains are wondrous things. Here in the Puget Sound region, we are struck by the absolute grandeur of several peaks. Saturday evening I was officiating at a memorial service. Before the service I stepped outside and was greeted with a glorious sight. To the east I observed Mt. Rainier that was a vivid shade of pink, coral and beautiful as the sun was setting. To the south I saw the dark shape of Mt. St. Helens.
I hope I never become indifferent to the magnificent views that our mountain peaks provide. I want to always bask in the sight and thank God for the beauty of His creation. Looking from the valley to the mountains is breathtaking, but there are also fantastic views from the mountains looking at the valleys below.
I hope that this has not confused you too much. There is a reason for spending this time to point out the different views we have. The perspective we have on the world around us must always be based upon the Word of God.
It is interesting that a portion of the Scripture for today, “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks”—is found above the entryway to the United Nations.
At first glance, this may appear to be a wonderful undertaking on the part of the UN. But as we go back to Scripture, it is not a governing body which will be the source of peace and harmony, but the Lord Himself.
There is a view we have of God from the perspective of His Word. It contains prophecy of a time in which there will be peace on earth. What a beautiful sight that is. It gives us hope and a purpose. We long with eager anticipation for that time when people will stream to God’s holy Temple and bow before Him in adoration.
But there is also God’s view. This is the view from His holy mountain to where we are. It is the view which God has at all times, but He invites us to share that view with Him. He wants us to see the world through His eyes. He wants our heart to be broken for the sin and strife which clouds the world.
There will be a day when all people will come to worship the Lord! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord, to the glory of God. For some, it will be too late. They will have put off the decision to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and will be on their knees in a bitter realization of their lost condition.
Others of us who have been born again will be caught up in rapture and adoration as we realize that our eternity with our precious Lord is endless, joyous, and full of meaning. We are invited to begin sharing this view with the Lord right now. Just as we can look toward the Mountain of the Lord and be struck by its beauty, so we can soar onto the mountain, and see things from God’s vantage point. What a view!
Even when we must return to the place where we are called to minister, we can remember the view from the mountain. It will give us the encouragement we need to remain faithful until He calls us to be with Him forever and forever! What a view that will be!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil