In physical Geography, different types of terrain are characterized by their various attributes. For instance, plains, valleys, hills, plateaus, mountains and water bodies (sea, ocean, river, lake, etc.) are uniquely different. In the Bible, mountain stands out significantly as regards God’s manifestation, revelation and intervention in the miraculous. When certain encounter is referenced in the scriptures, the location readily comes to mind. Mountains like Gilgal, Sinai, Horeb, Ararat, Bethel, etc., can never be forgotten in history.
In the Bible times, every divine encounter on any mountain came with an experience. Jacob encountered God’s power on Mount Bethel and his life was dramatically transformed. You cannot experience or encounter the supernatural and still remain the same! There is no controversy that Bethel is a place of God’s presence (Gen. 28:16). It is also the House of God and the Gate of Heaven. I will like to briefly expound on Bethel being the House of God, in connection with the Christian life. A house is a place where individuals or families live together. In other words, it is supposed to be a place of relationship and intimacy. Mount Bethel is the place where God dwells and also the gateway or passage to heaven. In the New Testament, Christians are the houses or temples where God dwells. *“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are”* (1Cor. 3:16-17). In the Old Testament, the manifest presence of God mostly occurred on the mountains. In this new dispensation, you are the mobile mountain where the Spirit of God dwells! Let me ask you, are you really a container of God’s Spirit? By living a holy life, you are creating ‘Mount Bethel’ in the corner of your room or anywhere you pray. Conversely, you may be singing with Angelic voice, preaching excellently, praying thunderously etc., without being connected to Mount Bethel. I don’t criticize praying on the Mountain, but you cannot be defiling the temple of God and expect Him to listen to you when you go to the mountain.
Friend, climbing Mount Bethel requires nothing but holiness! *“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord …? He who has clean hands and a pure heart …”* (Ps. 24:3-4). I beseech you, by the mercies of God, to accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ today. Start living a holy and righteous life, and begin to enjoy the experience of His presence on Mount Bethel. God bless you. *SHALOM*
