You are a City on a Mountain

Okay, I couldn't resist. Those of you that listened to our church service on WPIO last night, or who attended it, smiled as soon as you saw the title.

Jesus told us that we are the light of the world, and are a city on a MOUNTAIN (ὄρος-horos). (The Greek word 'horos' appears 65 times in the New Testament, and in all but three it is rendered 'mountain' or 'mount'. (By the way, the Greek word for hill is βουνός (boonos).

So why do most of the English translations say that we are a city on a hill? We are the light of the world, and are a city on a MOUNTAIN!

In Matthew 28:16-19 it tells us that the eleven disciples went away into Galilee to a MOUNTAIN that Jesus had set for them, and here they received the Great Commission to go into the world and disciple all nations!

In Hebrews 12:22-23 it tells us that we, the general assembly and church, are the city of the living God, a heavenly Jerusalem, set on MOUNT Zion!

You and I are a light that God has lit on a mountain that stands overlooking all other mountains. You and I are a light that reflects the glory of God to a dying world.

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' "If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
(Isa 58:7-9)

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. (Isa 60:1-2)

Jesus used to set on a mountain, healing and teaching all that came to Him for hope. He then set His disciples on a mountain giving them a mission. And God then set His church on a mountain, empowering it with the light and strength of Holy Spirit fire!Shine the light of Jesus, people of God! We are His witnesses, family of God. Shine the light of Jesus!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.