Mountains - Wednesday, December 23 (Advent 2020)

In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills and all nations will stream to it.  Many peoples will come and say, “Come let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob.  He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.
Isaiah 2:2-3a

In Navajo culture, mountains are important both as boundaries for their traditional territory and also as guardians. The Navajo have four sacred mountains on the north, (Dibé Ntsaa - Bighorn Sheep Mountain, Hesperus Peak, CO); south (Dootł’izhii Dziil - Turquoise Mountain, Mount Taylor, NM); east (Sisnaajiní - Black Belt Mountain, Blanca Peak, CO); and west (Dook’o’słííd - Never Thaws On Top, San Francisco Peak, AZ). The Navajo traditionally consider the mountains to have powers to protect the people from harm. 

The prophet Isaiah points us to consider mountains, not as powerful in themselves, but as gathering places where God will teach people his ways. Jesus told the woman at the well, the true worshippers of God would not consider worship to be bound by place but done in Spirit and truth (John 4:23). 

The mountains in this part of the world are truly awesome, and they do reflect God’s glory in creation. But what can creation do to save us? Thank God he not only shows us his power, but also his love. Jesus began the reign of peace, the time that Isaiah spoke about as the “last days.” While Jesus did gather people to himself, he also sent his disciples into the world, and still sends his disciples today.

The pattern remains: gathering people to hear God’s Word and sending them out.

To whom is God sending you today? Who do you know that needs to hear of the LORD and his mercy?

Thank you, LORD, that you sent someone to tell me the Good News.  I pray you would also use me to glorify you, in my daily work, and by showing me someone who needs to know about you. Amen.

Pastor Tim Norton
Navajo, New Mexico