A Mountain View
Been looking for a place to settle down and retire. I decided I would like to do so with a mountain view. Came across a pamphlet that caught my attention. The title was short enough. Hebrews. Not sure who wrote it. But the author had a couple of advertisements for mountain resorts that might fit the bill. Doesn’t hurt to check out my options does it?
Sinai
The first mountain was one named Sinai. The locals affectionately refer to it as the “Law”. Seems to be popular enough. Found the description rather curious, however. Actually somewhat foreboding. First of all, it can be touched, but if you touch it you will be killed. Interesting. So it exists, it just isn’t approachable. Sounds a little chaotic also. All this stuff about a blazing fire and darkness; gloom and a tempest. A loud trumpet and a scary voice. Scary enough to make those that hear it beg that it speaks no more.
Out of curiosity, I decided to call the manager. Some man called Moses. As we spoke, he sounded as if he was trembling with fear. “Why”, I asked, “do people come to Mount Sinai?” “Tradition, for one. People have been coming to the ‘Law’ for years. Tough to break traditions. Have a lot of Pharisees here.” he replied. Pharisees? Fair enough. “Any other reasons?” “Popularity I guess. It’s the ‘in’ thing. People like following the crowd. If it’s good enough for everyone else… You understand.” Although I didn’t, I played along. “Sounds like herd mentality to me. Might be handy to have a shepherd on staff. But what about the amenities?” “People don’t seem to care as long as they are with friends. Or so they say.” Personally, I thought it sounded like strike two. “Any other reasons?” And then I heard a sigh from Moses. In an almost embarrassed response, he said “pride”. “Pride?” “Yes. At the ‘Law’ we insist our residents work. No freeloaders. Here one must earn their keep.” “One last question. Is it easy to get to Mount Sinai?” “Yes, the path is nice and broad.” “Safe?” “Have to talk to Abel about that.” “Abel?” “Long Story.” “Is he available?” “No. He’s dead.” “Ok. thank you for your time.” “Got plenty to kill. Hope I was of some help.” Nice man that Moses. Not sure about Mt. Sinai though. Something about darkness, fear, and death that just isn’t appealing to me. Besides, had this eerie feeling that the blood of this Abel guy was telling me to stay away.
Zion
Now for that other mountain. Mount Zion. Affectionately referred to as “Grace.” According to my brochure, it is the city of the living God and the heavenly Jerusalem. Sounds big. Also home to innumerable angels in festal gathering. Must be big. Interesting. In addition to the angels, there is the assembly of the firstborn. If that isn’t confusing enough, spirits live there as well. Spirits of the righteous made perfect. Definitely time for another phone call.
So I dialed the number to Mount Zion. Some guy named John the Baptist answered. “Hello,” I said. “Are you the manager?” “No, just a cousin. I do the prep work for Jesus.” “Jesus?” “Yes. He bought this place.” “Is it as nice as the brochure says?” “Actually, words don’t do it justice.” “Must have cost Jesus a lot?” “His life.” “Huh?” “Long story. Would you like to talk to Him?” “But you said He was dead.” “He was.” “And now He is there?” “Yes, and all of His followers.” “Are they nice?” “Perfect(ed).” “John, do you have a sense of humor? You’re not serious?” “Always.” Hmm. “Brochure doesn’t give a price. What does it cost to stay there?” “Free.” “John, you are funny. Nothing is free.” “This is.” “How can that be?” “Jesus paid for it.” “Sounds too good to be true.” “That’s what everyone says.” “All inclusive?” “You will never go hungry or thirsty.” “How’s the food?” “Locusts and wild honey are out of this world.” “Music?” “Angelic!” “Wow. Why wouldn’t everyone want to come?” “Pride.” “Pride?” “Many would rather work than accept the gift of Jesus.” “Sad. One last question. Is it easy to get to?” “Actually the road is narrow, but Jesus will meet you and escort you. Would you like to speak with Him or the Father?” “Can I?” “They are waiting to hear from you.” “Later. Thank you for your time.” “You’re welcome. Got plenty to redeem.” Something about light, joy, and love that just appeals to me. Besides, had this overwhelming feeling that the blood of Jesus was beckoning me to approach Mt. Zion. Time for a decision.
Maybe the “grand openings” will help you decide.
“And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell (died).” – Exodus 32:28
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” – Acts 2:41
Sounds familiar. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…It was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness..” (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death blessing and curse. Therefore choose life..” – Deuteronomy 30:19-20a
If you would like to read the brochure before you choose, see Hebrews 12:18-29.