Most of us who live in western Canada or the United States have experienced the Rocky Mountains at least once in their lifetime. For me, the Rocky Mountains have been a regular retreat and solace during times of stress and a yearly spot for vacation. My family has experienced this majestic mountain range from all sides, two Provinces and four states. The Rockies have played an integral part of my life. They have shaped my imagination. It’s really no surprise that mountains hold a special place in the heart of God as well.
Mountains are mentioned in the Bible no less than 300 times. They form an illustration of both the holiness and segregation of the Godhead, and the awe-inspiring brilliance of His majesty. The mountain weaves a thread through the Old and New Testament, both as a physical location (The Mountain of God, Mount Sinai, Mount Zion) and as a metaphor for the journey towards the presence of God. Abraham led his only son Isaac up the mountain in the ultimate sign of submission and sacrifice. Moses climbed the mountain on numerous occasions to talk with God, and ultimately to see His glory as God’s presence passed by him. Jesus led his three best friends Peter, James and John up the mountain, where He was transfigured in the presence of His Father.
As I drive towards the Rocky Mountains the excitement builds. There is tension in the air as I strain my eyes to catch the first glimpse of snowy peaks in the horizon. They rise from the prairies without explanation or excuse until you are surrounded. For me, their captivation lies more in what cannot be seen than in their immediate presence. Danger, adventure, mystery and a captivating discovery lie around every bend. This is a picture of the Kingdom of God. As I first glimpse the foothills on the horizon I am drawn to them as a thirsty beggar. They capture my heart. I relentlessly advance. Nothing will keep me from taking hold of as much as they are willing to offer me.
In ancient Spain the national motto was the Latin phrase: “ne plus ultra.” Translated it literally means “there is nothing beyond.” It was a way of saying that Spain was the ultimate advancement of mankind. There was no more beyond their borders; they were the cutting edge. People honestly thought that since the Earth was flat and they lived on the coast, they were the final frontier. That was until one evening in 1492, when an adventurer sailed for the outmost expanse of Earth, only to discover that there was more beyond. Not only did he discover an expanse of sea never imagined before, he discovered the New World. From that moment on, the country Spain no longer lived under the banner “ne plus ultra.” From that day on, “plus ultra, there is more beyond,” would beat in the pulse of their nation.
Those that gather together to live a life of “resurgence” are defined in this same way. We will not settle. We have seen demonstrations of God’s power, but that is not enough. There is more beyond. As the mountains encapsulated the dangerous adventure towards the absolute presence of God, we are people who want to be relentless towards the pursuit of our Father’s presence. We are a group of people willing to take up the adventure.
We believe as human beings and as followers of Jesus that we have a choice. We can sit in the foothills and be content with looking at a beautiful view, or we can run. As God’s Spirit gently tugs on my heart, my choice is to run. To climb every hill, every mountain, explore every peak and every expanse in the pursuit of a glimpse of His back. That is what it truly means to live the heart of resurgence. That after what some would call a slumber in our churches today, a group of people young and old is standing on the edge of so much more and relentlessly pursuing the One that called us. Is that you? Right now, today, wherever you are you have the opportunity to join in a movement of people that is growing and spreading across our nation. Not because it’s the latest trend or social order, but because there is nothing else one can do to satisfy a heart set on fire.
