"ROCK" CLIMBING

"ROCK" CLIMBING 

I remember an occasion many years ago, when me and my three brothers were rock climbing.  One brother had already successfully made the climb to the top.  He was encouraging my youngest brother, who was currently climbing and was nearing the top of the sheer rock face, as we belayed him with ropes from below.

 

(This is a google image - not actually of my brother's climb)

From where we were out and away from the cliff, and from the position of my brother above, we could see there was a good, solid handhold just above where our climbing brother was reaching, which would allow him to safely grasp and pull himself up and towards the top where he could rest triumphantly.   But despite our coaxing, from where he was, body flat against the cliff, he could not see it.  After several moments of reaching and feeling along the rock face he started to fatigue and shake and finally cried out, "There's nothing!"

 

We could see the secure handhold in the rock and encouraged him to stretch and reach just one inch higher.  Exerting himself just a bit more than he had previously, he finally stretched beyond what he thought his limits were, and caught that perfect grip.

This gave him the needed leverage and propelled Him up and over the top.  He stood, shouting in joy and triumph, and embraced his older brother who had been coaching along from the top.  And we who were still below, and had yet to make the climb, also cheered and celebrated at his success.

 

I think our journey towards the promised blessings of Zion is a lot like this climbing experience.  In the midst of the arduous climb, focused so intently upon just holding on to the rock, we can't always see or recognize how close we are to the top or where the next secure handhold or foothold of faith is located.

 

Some climbers attempt to free climb, with no safety ropes or anchors for security.  And while this may seem more exhilarating, it is a method which is fraught with peril.  For one missed grasp, or slip of the foot will send them crashing downward with no one to arrest their fall.

 

Our safest course is with the help of other experienced guides and climbers, who know the best route to take and where the most secure hand and foot holds are located.  Then, when we reach points along the way where we cannot see what to do next, we will have the guidance of the Spirit and others who can more clearly see (Called Prophets & Seers), encouraging us, "Hold on!  Stretch a bit more!  Reach a little further!  Trust me, it is right there!  You are almost to the top!"

 

When we finally reach the top of our journey up mount Zion, and are resting in the embrace of our Elder Brother and Savior, who successfully climbed the path and overcame every obstacle, the elation and joy of having made the climb successfully will likely far exceed anything we have imagined.  And we will find that the rock we have been securely climbing on has been none other than The Rock, our Savior and Redeemer who is The Way.

 

"Journey's End" by Derek Hegsted

Until that glorious moment comes - Just hold on!  Keep climbing!  Stretch a little farther!  We are almost there!

"... prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him." - Job 11:13