Being born and raised in southern Minnesota, I’m not really a mountain person. I am more accustomed to the flat land of the prairie-scape. Being able to see the expanse of the horizon is comforting to me. In fact, I remember having unsettling dreams before I was going to drive through the mountains on a trip out to British Columbia. I was fearful that once I drove up the mountain, I would simply fall off the other side!
I don’t remember what I thought of the mountains on that trip so many years ago, but I do remember that on a more recent mission trip to Arizona, my mountain phobia lessened, and I began to see the allure of the mountains. And that’s a good thing!
Did you know that mountains and hills are mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times? In Scripture, mountains are often seen as significant places of revelation and God’s redemptive activity. Here are just a few examples.
Mount Sinai – God spoke with Moses (Exodus 19:1-6)
Mount Ararat – The place where Noah’s ark landed (Genesis 8:4)
Mount Horeb – The Lord met with Elijah (1 Kings 19:8-18)
Mount Tabor – Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-8)
Mount of Calvary – Jesus defeated death (Matthew 27:45-54)
Mount Zion – Where God will live among his people forever (Hebrews 12:22)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
– Psalm 121:1-4
