Sir Edmund Hillary was the first to summit Mt. Everest, but he did not do it alone. Tenzig Norgay, a Sherpa guide, native to Nepal, helped Hillary achieve his dream. On more than one occasion he saved the climber’s life. When asked about his part, he said, “We mountain climbers help each other.”
Moses left Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and the seventy elders at the base of Mt. Sinai. Only Joshua ascended the mountain of God with Moses. Not only did his presence strengthen Moses, but Joshua also had a front-row seat to glory. What great preparation for his work as Moses’ successor.
Who is helping you climb the mountain before you? Yesterday morning my long run was graciously interrupted by two other pastors. One called to compare notes, the other to think with me about revival. Both men encouraged me greatly. I am so deeply grateful that we do not have to climb Everest solo.
But what about the rest of the people who didn’t get to climb the mountain? How would they encounter God? God gave Moses instructions so that the people might build a sanctuary, a tabernacle where God might dwell among them. We don’t all get to be Joshua, but we all have a role to play in the journey to the presence of God. God does not inhabit buildings made with human hands, but he does inhabit us. We are in this together, and we will not make it alone. But God is with us, and thankfully so are his people.
