Mountains and Valleys

We quite frequently use mountain and valley language in Christianity - primarily because the Bible is chock full of literal and mountains (Mount Sinai, the Mount of Olives) and valleys (the valley of Kishon, the valley of the shadow of death).  These mountains and valleys become metaphors for the spiritual journey; we talk about mountaintop experiences and walking through the valleys of life.

In Mark 14, just before he is arrested, Jesus invites Peter, James, and John to pray with him in the Garden of Gethsemane (located at the foot of the Mount of Olives).  It is a valley experience, a night of darkness, fear, and betrayal.  

"They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (Mark 14, NIV)

Do you know where else Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John?  To the Mount of Transfiguration:

"After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus." (Matthew 17, NIV).

The same disciples who were called to the mountaintop to see the glory of Christ were called to the darkness of garden before His death.  We are not called to mountaintops alone; we are called to walk with Jesus in joy and in sorrow.  

God of all good things,
we offer you our lives,
our hopes and hurts,
our praise and tears,
Unite our wills in your will,
that we may show forth your love
all the days of our lives;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen