MOUNT ZION
The definition of Zion is “the hill of Jerusalem on which the city of David was built;” also “the historic land of Israel as a symbol of the Jewish people.”
“When the LORD shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory.” Psalm 102:16. To me, this means He built it just for us.
Sister White described Mount Zion like this: “I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, ‘They will never fade.’ Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green, and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here; no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees moved to and fro, and we all cried out, ‘We will dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.’ We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion.” –Early Writings, p. 18
We just read that Sister White described the area around Mount Zion as “the most glorious to behold.” She goes on to say that on top of the mountain was a glorious temple, and around it were seven other mountains, covered with roses and lilies. There were also all kinds of trees around the temple, the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig. The temple was supported by seven pillars of transparent gold with beautiful pearls. She also saw tables of stone which contained the names of the 144,000 engraved in gold. Sister White says in the same book that Jesus said “Only the 144,000 enter this place.”
“These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” Revelation 14:4
Here John pictures them standing on Mount Zion, ready for holy service, dressed in white. But all who follow Jesus in heaven must follow Him here on earth first.
We can be part of the 144,000 but we must be faithful and love God above all. Mount Zion is a wonderful place and I want to be there, how about you? Amen.
Stephen Newby
MOUNT NEBO
Mount Nebo is in present day Jordan, overlooking Israel. God told Moses to go to this mountain. He commanded, “Get thee up unto Mount Nebo and view the land God gave to Israel, and then die.”
Moses was now to depart on a new and mysterious errand. He knew he was to die alone. No earthly friend was permitted to minister to him in his last hours. When earlier his brother Aaron died, he died in Moses’ arms.
But now Moses was alone. The severest trial was his separation from the people with whom his life had so long been united. For the last time, Moses stood in the assembly of his people. The Spirit of God rested upon him and he blessed each tribe—closing with a benediction upon them all.
Then Moses turned from the congregation, in silence and alone he made his way up Mount Nebo. Upon this lonely height he stood and gazed with undimmed eyes upon the scene spread out before him. The Land of Promise was presented to him—every part of the country was shown to him.
Moses saw the chosen people established in Canaan. Then it was shown to him the history after the settlement of the Promised Land—the long, sad story of their apostasy. He saw that because of their sins they were taken as captives to Babylon and then later restored back to their own land; at last to be brought under the dominion of Rome.
He was shown the time of Jesus, as a baby in Bethlehem and His humble life in Nazareth. He saw His ministry of love, sympathy and healing, and also His rejection by the proud, unbelieving nation.
As Moses beheld the final rejection of the people, his heart was wrung with anguish—bitter tears fell from his eyes to the ground.
He followed the Saviour to Gethsemane and beheld the agony in the garden, the betrayal, scourging and the crucifixion. Horror filled Moses’ heart as he viewed the hypocrisy and satanic hatred shown against the Redeemer. These were his people. Moses prayed for the Israelites that God take his own name off the book of life if He could not forgive them. For 40 years he had patiently led them in the wilderness.
He saw Jesus dying of a broken heart. Moses’ heart bursts in anguish, and he too dies of a broken heart. His strength was still unimpaired, his sight was perfect, but he died on Mount Nebo—but yet. . . the two hearts that were broken will beat together in heaven.
Moses was shown the history of God’s people all the way to the New Earth.
It was shown to him when Jesus, after the resurrection, comes to heaven, it is Moses who will open to Him the everlasting gates.
How small the trials and sacrifices of his life were compared with those of the Son of God. Moses rejoiced that he had been permitted, even in a small measure, to be a partaker in the sufferings of Christ.
The vision faded and he rested his eyes on the land of Canaan in the distance. Then, like a tired warrior, he lay down and died—alone on the top of Mount Nebo. But we know that he was not alone. Angels were there, and Jesus, his Friend, was near.
The angels buried him and watched over the grave. Moses was not a long time in the grave when Jesus came to take him to heaven. But also there was Satan. In Jude 9 it is written that Satan was fighting for Moses’ body—he said, “he belongs to me. He had sinned, but Jesus said, “He repented of his sins and he is Mine.”
Jesus resurrected Moses and took him to heaven where he is now.
So, remember, when you hear the name, Mount Nebo—remember that the greatest man that ever lived, aside from Christ, died on that mountain. Amen.
Tiffany Bessec
MOUNT ARARAT
Noah and his family began to build an ark according to God’s command. It was a very large boat, and the people of the city made fun of Noah because, since they were sinners, they did not believe that water would come down from heaven. In fact, they had never seen rain before. When the ark was finished, and Noah, his family, and all the animals were inside, the door was suddenly closed by an angel and the rain started to fall.
It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. The water rose 15 cubits, which is about 22 ½ feet above the highest mountains. For five long months, the ark was tossed about. As the waters began to go down, God made this big boat to float to a group of mountains that had been preserved by His power. These mountains were a little separated from each other, and here the ark quietly moved about them, instead of being tossed about in open water.
“And the ark rested in the seventh month, of the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.” Genesis 8:4
Just like the ark found refuge in the mountains of Ararat and just like the angel told Lot, “escape for thy life, escape to the mountain,” we will too. In the time of trouble, when we will be persecuted, we will leave the cities and run to the mountains and we will be safe there.
“He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16
Some will find safety in the mountains, but some will cry to them. Sister White says that some will cry out, “Rocks and mountains, fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” –Confrontation, p. 87. These people will also run to the mountains, not to find safety but to hide from God.
When Jesus comes, there will be two kinds of people, the obedient and the disobedient. Which will we be?
It is my wish and prayer that we may listen to God no matter what. So that when He comes in the clouds, we will be happy to see Him and not be afraid. Amen.
Sarah Newby