Spurgeon Morning and Evening April 4 PM

Biblical Context

The prophet Isaiah spoke these words. He lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during a very busy and often difficult time in the 8th century BC. He served under kings like Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, warning the people about their sins and God’s coming judgment. But Isaiah wasn’t just about warnings; he also delivered messages of great hope and future restoration.

Isaiah 2:3 sits in a section of his book where he looks forward to a future day, a time when God’s rule would be fully established on earth. He saw Jerusalem, specifically Mount Zion, becoming a spiritual center for all nations. People from everywhere would say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord.” They’d go there to learn God’s ways and walk in His paths. This wasn’t just a physical journey for Isaiah’s listeners; it painted a picture of a world craving God’s instruction and peace, leaving behind war and injustice to embrace divine wisdom. It’s a vision of God’s authority being recognized by everyone, leading to universal peace and learning.

Key Word Study

The main word we’re looking at today from Isaiah 2:3 is “mountain.”

In the original Hebrew, the word used is הַר (pronounced *har*). This word means a mountain or a hill. In biblical language, a mountain often stands for several important things. It can show strength, stability, and permanence. Think of how mountains stand firm through all seasons.

More importantly, mountains in the Bible are frequently places where people meet God. Moses met God on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. And, of course, Jerusalem itself sits on Mount Zion, the place where God chose to put His name. So, when Isaiah talks about going up to the “mountain of the Lord,” it’s not just about a physical climb. It’s about drawing near to God’s presence, seeking His guidance, and finding His power. It’s a call to move from the lower, earthly places to a higher, more spiritual ground where God lives and reveals Himself.

The Benefit of Climbing

It’s really good for our souls to move above this present evil world and reach for something better and nobler. You see, the worries of this world and how deceiving riches can be often choke out every good thing inside us. Before we know it, we’re fretful, feeling down, maybe even proud and caught up in worldly things.

Cutting Down the Thorns

It’s smart for us to cut down these thorns and briers. Why? Because heavenly seed planted among them won’t likely give us a good harvest. And where can we find a better tool, a better sickle, to cut them down than by spending time with God and focusing on the things of His kingdom?

Valleys and Mountains

Think about the valleys in Switzerland. Many people living there are deformed, and everyone looks sickly. That’s because the air is full of bad stuff, it’s thick and doesn’t move. But up high, on the mountain, you find strong people. They breathe clear, fresh air that blows down from the untouched snow on the Alpine peaks.

It would be a good idea if those who live in the valley could often leave their homes among the marshes and the fever mists. It’d be great if they could go up and breathe the refreshing air on the hills. It’s this kind of climbing adventure that I’m inviting you to take this evening.

Leaving the Mists Below

May God’s Spirit help us leave the mists of fear and the fevers of anxiety. May it help us leave all the bad things that gather in this valley of earth. Let’s go up the mountains of joy and blessing we’re looking forward to. May God the Holy Spirit cut the cords that keep us stuck down here and help us climb!

Chained Eagles and Loving Our Chains

We often sit like chained eagles, stuck to a rock. Only, unlike the eagle, we start to love our chain. We’d probably be really sad if it actually got snapped, even if we say we want to be free. May God give us the grace now. If we can’t escape from the chain in our physical bodies, let’s at least do it in our spirits. Let’s leave our bodies, like a servant, at the bottom of the hill. May our souls, like Abraham, reach the top of the mountain. There, we can really connect with the Most High.

Think about Abraham, a man called by God to leave his familiar land (Genesis 12:1-4). Later, God called him to a mountain, Mount Moriah, for the ultimate test of faith, asking him to offer his son Isaac (Genesis 22). It was on that mountain, in a place of deep obedience and spiritual connection, that Abraham experienced God’s faithfulness and provision in a mighty way. He didn’t stay stuck in the valleys of comfort or doubt; he ascended, body and spirit, to meet God. That’s the kind of communion we’re talking about – a spiritual ascent that leads to a powerful encounter with the Most High.