WHY JESUS RESORTED TO HIGH MOUNTAINS!

 

Thursday, September 19, 2024

 

WHY JESUS RESORTED TO HIGH MOUNTAINS!

 

Matt 14:22-23

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

 

          The phrase “mountain apart” can be found three times in the New Testament. Once after Jesus and the disciples had finished feeding and dealing with a multitude. He sent them across the lake, and he climbed the mountain. The other two times the phrase refers to the mount of transfiguration where Jesus revealed to them His glory.

 

          Interestingly, the word “apart” is the Greek idios which literally means private! If you will excuse the cuteness, idios could mean adios! Sometimes you just have to get away! It has nothing to do with a loss of love for those who are needy. It has everything to do with a loss of energy.

 

          It is also very encouraging to note that it was atop a mountain “apart” that Jesus was transfigured. He changed forms. He appeared as spirit talking with other spirits. His whole person shined like the day. Peter was so amazed that he did not know what to say – so he said it. I have heard similar responses myself. Impractical and unreasonable!

 

          Jesus recommended the same therapy for his disciples who helped Him conduct his ministry. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place [a place without people], and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”  Mark 6:31

 

Dear Lord, every now and then I feel the need to withdraw temporarily so that I might see your glory and refresh my spirit. Refresh me today so that I may refresh others. AMEN