When I look around, I see exhaustion in everyone. It’s like we are all climbing a steep slope to a distinct peak. Guess what? We are. Many of us are too busy climbing the mountain that we lose sight of Jesus waiting for us at the summit.
As I walk through the last days of my Sweet Al’s life, I am seeing little things, which I missed in the climb. The summit is becoming clearer as I reach the top and a new panorama is in view. As I look back over the years, the climb is paling, fatigue is gone and worries are no more. Catching sight of the face of Jesus takes away the pain.
And what does this summit look like? Not what, but Who. Jesus is the summit. He’s our destiny, our destination. This life, with all the trials and temptations, has been building our character. We are becoming more like Him, and He is preparing us for that day when we finally see Him face-to-face.
As I prepare for the next Bible study, two words come to mind. Throughout the Gospel of John, the apostle often starts with, “After these things,” and adds that Jesus departed from Galilee or Jerusalem or somewhere else. “All these things” are some of the signs and miracles Jesus embarked upon in order that they might believe He is the Son of God. He climbed the hill to the cross in order to make His departure.
There is a difference between embarkment and departure. Embarkment for us is like buying the ticket, packing the suitcase, meeting obligations, making reservation for our pets and checking the schedule. Departure is setting sail. It is when the ship leaves the shore.
We are climbing to the summit that we embarked on long ago through faith in Bible studies, prayer and scriptures. This spiritual journey has been exhausting. We have changed, learned and banged our knees. We’ve encountered the bears and lions. Many of us have come to understand that our biggest enemy is ourselves.
We’ve been climbing this mountain set before us. At this point in life, getting closer to the summit, we are catching a glimpse of the One who has been waiting for us, the Bridegroom. He has been preparing a place for us, His Bride.
Writing this book has been difficult. It has almost eaten my lunch and also my editor’s. It is like climbing a very steep rocky cliff. Every step has been challenged, every word has been tweaked, and every phrase has been questioned. I’ve come too far to turn back. The only way is up. The due date keeps changing, but it will happen.
I’ve been working on this book since January 2024. I prayed and felt like the Lord was saying, “You have the mind of Christ. View this final edit from Christ’s mind. See every word from Jesus’ view, from the top of the summit. It looks different from there.”
This project is based on an allegory, a fictional story, between the Shulamite and King Solomon. For the believer, it is Christ’s love for his bride. It is a letter from God’s heart, and the Song of Solomon has been considered the most controversial book in the Bible, yet carries some of the most tender words ever written.
God’s words have emboldened me. His poetic expression of deep intimacy and affection for his bride shows Jesus’ heart toward me. This project is part of my climb to the summit.
Final brushstroke: On this intimate spiritual journey, we are learning to take life one step at a time, only to reach the summit one day. Jesus is waiting for us.
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