Mountains and Valleys

“And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.”
Mark 6:46
 
“When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.”
Matthew 8:1
 
     Have you ever stood on the top of a mountain?  It is an absolutely breathtaking experience.  The air is so crisp and clean, and the sky looks close enough to touch.  The singing of the birds can be heard with perfect clarity because the sounds of civilization are completely absent.  And the view, oh the view, it makes you feel as if you can see the whole world from where you are!
      Jesus understood the importance of having mountain top experiences with God.  Every believer needs those times of private worship with their Lord.  These are the moments when He lifts us up and allows us to bask in His Glory and Grace, fills our hearts with beauty and singing, speaks to our souls with kindness, and showers us with feelings of peace and love.  It is wonderful beyond words, and all of us long to stay in those moments forever, those precious little glimpses of eternity!
     Jesus, however; also understood something else as well.  As amazing as it is to stand on the mountain top, the real blessings are waiting down in the valley.  If you can pull your eyes away from the view for a moment, look down at the rocky barren soil of your mountain.  Not much grows here, for it is a dry and arid environment.  Oh, but friend, cast your eyes down to the valley and behold the lush vegetation and vibrant signs of life.
     You see, we go to the mountain to be alone with God, and allow Him to renew our spirit, but if we would really serve Him we must then take that mountaintop experience down into the valley.  That is where the real work is, that is where multitudes are waiting.  Waiting for us to come and point them to the God of the mountain, the Christ of Calvary!