Having just come back from the Holy Lands a few weeks ago, I was once again reminded of the beautiful, yet contrasting terrain of this special place. The harsh mountains stand in stark distinction from the lush green valleys below. The mountains to the south of Jerusalem, which comprise much of what we know as the “wilderness” of biblical lore, offer little in the way of greenery or any sort of lush life-sustaining vegetation. The Jordan River valley, on the other hand, boasts of rich soil and a plethora of bumper crops, abounding in grasses, trees, and life all around. It was easy for me to see why so few people could live in such a difficult place as the rugged terrain of the southern wilderness, and why so many choose to make their homes in the green-ness of the river valleys of the central and northern countryside.
Ironically, according to the Gospels, there were more stories of Jesus and his disciples finding respite and rest on the mountains, rather than the valleys. Recall the stories of the Transfiguration, the Sermon on the Mount, and the many occasions where Jesus and his disciples met on the Mount of Olives outside of Jerusalem. The mountaintop experiences lead us to say with Peter, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” We want to stay.
I am reminded of how many people prefer to stay in the comfortable places – they are familiar, and offer much in terms of contentment. Life is not challenging when we are in the comfortable. We are not tested. Seldom are we confronted when we are in those places of ease and comfort. And in our world today, that can be a good thing.
But it also can be a bad thing. Jesus always reminded the disciples that the ministry to which they (and we) were called is more often than not down in the valleys, where everything is not necessarily so green and lush. There is oftentimes pain, suffering, lost-ness, and brokenness down in the valleys. Jesus challenges us to come down from the mountains and spend some time in the valleys where there is great need, because this is what causes growth. When we are not dared to grow outside of what we are used to, we tend to stagnate, or atrophy. Life is stunted. Growth does not happen.
As we approach the wilderness of the end of the Lenten season, we are given a unique opportunity. So many folks will approach the end of Lent by moving from Palm Sunday straight to Easter. From Hosanna (God Save Us) to Hallelujah (Praise the Lord). And when we do so, we miss the valley of shadows, where growth can happen.
This year, during Holy Week, we will be offering a special worship service each evening at 7 pm. You are invited to come and walk with Jesus and the disciples through the events of that last week in Jesus’ life. You are encouraged to take a step outside of your comfort zone, and to experience the valley that Jesus trod. Make the journey from the Gates of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane, to Caiaphas’ house, to Pilate’s courtyard, to Golgotha, to the garden tomb, and finally to the resurrection on Easter Sunday. Make the journey from the mountain to the valley of shadows. It will make the Hallelujahs of Easter all that more meaningful.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
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