Finding Mountain Nebo

I recently spoke at Netherside Hall at their famous, new year camp. I never find it easy judging what to say on these kind of events; I know my own congregation fairly well, but a collection of teenagers at various stages of faith is not so easy to assess. Although it sounds rather boring, I spoke on four mountains of Old Testament pedigree: Sinai, Moriah, Nebo and Carmel.

Sinai reveals to us the terrifying, awesome righteousness of God -and our own sinfulness. The place from which the Decalogue was given could not even be touched by an Israelite; around it, they trembled and shook as the dreadful God drew near.

Moriah was the mountain upon which Abraham was called to sacrifice ‘his son, his only son, whom he loved’. Moriah reveals God’s desire to save and rescue Adam’s orphans; He Himself would find them a way back to His Eden. Christ, the Father’s Son, His only Son, whom He loves, was duly sacrificed, that we little Isaacs might walk free.

Mount Carmel was the mountain upon which Elijah contested the prophets of Baal. Though alone, unpopular and strangely old fashioned for ninth-century-BC Israel, he stood his ground and was found faithful to God, who deigned to vindicate his ministry. Those who stand for God in an indifferent or even hostile culture are supported and honoured. 

Mount Nebo was the place from which Moses beheld the Promised Land, albeit from afar. Though not permitted to enter, he was graciously shown the outcome of his long career. We should regularly meditate upon the promised heaven which our Saviour has been preparing for us, especially when we feel down. Look not back upon Egypt from where you have come, nor upon the Moab where now you stand, but look ahead to the great city whose builder and maker is God. There is a huge banqueting table there with a place reserved for you. So be encouraged!

Whoever said that we can too be 'too heavenly minded to be any earthly use' was a liar or a simpleton. If we were more heavenly minded, we would be of exceedingly great earthly use. Stop looking back and stop looking down: go and climb Mount Nebo, and behold your final destination:

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Rev. 22