Seventh-day Adventist Church 2003 NAB Offering Call

“Becoming Faithful Stewards”

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT A MOUNTAIN

Mountains have a way of reaching out and grabbing people’s attention. It’s the grandeur that appeals to some, while the challenge attracts still others. But in their most awesome state, mountains seem out of control -- breathing fire, brimstone, rivers of molten lava, and ash. Krakatoa, Vesuvius, Pinatubo, St. Helens -- the very names conjure images of sudden fear, destruction, and death.

Isn’t it interesting, however, that one fiery mountain never seems to make the list. After all, that mountain, just like the others, “blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness” (Deuteronomy 4:11, NIV). Even more amazingly, that mountain appeared to speak. The people gathered around its base “heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only voice” (verse 12). It was the Lord speaking, and He breathed “such righteous decrees and laws” )verse 8) as to provide a clear roadmap to life, rather than death or destruction.

Whether or not it ever makes the Ten-Greatest-Mountains list, the significance of Sinai far surpasses the significance of Karakatoa, Vesuvius, and all the rest. The record of that event, written by God’s own finger in tablets of stone, is to be remembered throughout eternity. As he instructed through His servant Moses, ‘thou shalt teach [the commandments] diligently unto thy children.” (Deuteronomy 6:7, KJV).

Appeal text: “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to your children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV).