Thoughts from the Mountain: The Way to Heaven
“Do not let your hearts be distressed. You believe in God; believe also in me. There are many dwelling places in my Father’s house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too. And you know the way where I am going.”
John 14:1-4
The cerulean lake is hidden between the high peaks of the Dolomiti mountains. The challenging 4-mile hike to reach it winds like an allegory over crumbling rockslides, up single-file ladders, and across fresh mountain streams. Those who dare trek its heights have heard of its beauty and have determined they must do what it takes to see it for themselves. A brilliant photo, a friend’s exuberant testimony, is not satisfying. This incredible, rare place needs to be seen and experienced to be believed. So they ramble, stroll, climb, struggle, crawl, and run the path.
They know the way, for others have gone ahead of them. Engineers have prepared handholds, ladders, and steel cables secured to the rock for the most treacherous passages.
Some sojourners are old. They’ve brought their walking sticks. Clusters of friends climb together, laughing. Others are solo, running like deer upon the mountains. Parents shelter small children, stopping along the way to rest and nourish. Adult children support elderly parents, stretching out a hand where it’s slippery. Lovers and tourists make their way upward and onward. The nations are here, too, and languages of the world echo across the distance, marveling at beauty that cannot be described with human words.
Beauty drives every one of them. The heart’s insatiable appetite for beauty brings humanity together on this perilous path.
As I climb, and listen, and observe, I marvel at the allegory. Heaven is unknown to so many. Yet there is a path, carefully laid by Jesus. He has gone ahead and prepared the way.
Those mountaineers who have dared scale the heights are spreading the news. Come and see! There is a hidden gem tucked at the highest place, for all who will climb!
Word is spreading. The peril pays off. People of all ages and nations are making their way up the mountain. They must see it for themselves.
When they finally arrive, like we all did, they will rest their weary heads and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to where You are. We are coming, Lord. We are climbing, climbing. Amen.
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