"Go to the mountain!"

Go to the mountain! In our Biblical reading, we heard of the disciples going up a mountain. Walking up a mountain is to become higher from a lower position. The necessity of going to a higher place is due to the importance of safety. Reading ancient literature, like “The Art of War”, makes reference to the advantage of being higher.

The advantage of going to the mountain for the disciples was meeting Jesus. One can say to be near Jesus (God) is to become safe and experience security. Yet, in our reading going higher is significant in that the disciples are approaching a place to receive instruction and also to worship. The top of the mountain becomes the place of worship and instruction in the presence of God. Standing on the mountain, Jesus states that he has all authority in heaven and earth. In other words, he is the connection between the earth and the heavens. To worship Jesus is really to become aware that there is more than the here and now.

The mountain is the nearest place to the heavens, so it makes sense for Jesus to meet the disciple there. It is from such a holy place they receive instructions and directions. They should make, baptise and teach.

Make disciples of Jesus, in other words, get others to follow Jesus. Baptise the new followers in the name of the Trinity and instruct them to follow the commandments. It is clear, from a mountaintop, clarity is given to what needs to happen next.

The instruction of baptising highlights something of significance. The action needs to be done in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In no other name should this be done.

Lord Hodge, represented the King at the General Assembly this year. Lord Hodge represented the King, in other words, he acted in the name of the King. He was not present for the Prime Minister, but rather (only) for the King. The actions of Lord Hodge, in his presence at the General Assembly, were for the King.

In the same way, the actions of the baptism should be in the name of the Trinity. The actions of our church are in no other name but in the name of the Triune God. The instructions are clear, however, it comes with support. Pastoral comfort is, when following the instructions of Christ, he will be with us always to the end of the age. When going from the mountain, we are not alone, rather Jesus is with us.

The message for an individual is to consider going up a mountain to realine oneself. “Going up a mountain” refers to making time to orientate oneself. When chaos rules make time to go and listen, worship and get clarity for the journey ahead. Make time and become aware of the sense of belonging to Jesus who is the connection between heaven and earth. This message gives pastoral reassurance that supports our faith.

Yet, if we are very strict and stay and follow the reading we are clearly told what our actions need to be. Disciples of Jesus has clear instruction. The church of Jesus has a clear purpose and that is to make disciples, baptise in the name of the Trinity and teach/educate the commandments of God.

Go to the mountain! Climb and meet Jesus and from there follow the instructions and do it in the name of the Trinity, with the reassurance that Jesus is with us. Jesus is with us. We are not alone, therefore, we may dance and be joyful with all creation.