Wandering Heart: "Praise the Mount"

Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing

This week on our journey with Peter we are at a turning point in Peter’s faith.  When Jesus asks his disciples, “who do you say that I am?”  Peter boldly declares without hesitation, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:13-20) 

Some scholars have said this is a mountain top moment for Peter.  He has witnessed miracles, heard Jesus’ teaching, he has even taken a literal leap of faith as he stepped out of the boat and walked on water.  This encounter is Peter’s moment to shine as he proclaims, “Jesus is the Messiah!”

It makes me think about those “mountain-top” moments in my own life.  Memories of church summer camp in High School where Jesus was presented in such a way that sparked my faith anew, where my faith was on fire, and I wanted everyone to know!  A women’s retreat as a young adult where the speaker spoke directly to my heart.  A pastor’s conference where friends met me in my hurt and became the healing hands of Jesus in that moment.  Have you ever had one of those moments?  A time when you were so sure that “Jesus is Lord of your life” that you weren’t too ashamed or shy to share it.

Here is the hard truth…we don’t always stay in that moment.  Peter didn’t…he continued to do and say things that contradict his declaration.  Our mountain-top experiences, the joy and elation we feel in those moments fade or life comes along and knocks us down a peg and we question.

Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it.  Mount of thy redeeming love.

Friends may those mountain-top moments, those exclamations of “Jesus is Lord!” continue to ring true.  May we feel God’s love all around us and boldly sing his praise.

How much are you like Peter?  How often do you sing his praises? How has Jesus changed your life?  I hope you join us these next few weeks of Lent as we figure out faith like Peter. 

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

-Come Thou Font of Every Blessing