It’s Time to Rise: Climbing God’s Mountain

Mountains are significant in Scripture. They are places of divine revelation, where God calls His people higher, speaks His Word, and transforms lives. Those who ascend the mountain never return the same.

Today, we’re looking at Mount Sinai, one of the most pivotal mountains in the Bible. This was the place where:

• God revealed His covenant to Israel.
• The Law was given.
• Moses encountered the glory of God.
• The name of Yahweh was declared.

Mount Sinai represents a turning point—for Israel and for us. It’s a place where God calls His people higher.

Mount Sinai: The Call to Ascend

Exodus 19:1-2
"Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of the mountain."

The Israelites had already witnessed incredible miracles—deliverance from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven—yet they still doubted, grumbled, and struggled to trust God.

Now, just two months into their journey, they arrive at Sinai, where God is about to reveal Himself in a new and powerful way.

Moses ascended Mount Sinai at least seven times, and each ascent reveals something significant about our walk with God.

So, let’s begin the climb.

1. First Climb: Relationship

Exodus 19:3-6
"Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, 'Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel… Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure… You will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’”

Before Israel ever sought after God, God called them first.

He calls them His special treasure—a people set apart, not because of their own goodness, but because of His love.

Some of us may feel overlooked, weighed down, or uncertain about the future. But God sees us. He says, “You are my special treasure.” He is calling us into deeper relationship with Him.

1 Peter 2:9 echoes this truth:
"You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession."

God calls us higher—not to religion, but to relationship.

What’s stopping you from taking the first step up the mountain?

2. Second Climb: Consecration

After Moses descends to tell the people God’s words, they eagerly agree to obey. But they don’t yet realize the weight of what they’re committing to.

Moses climbs again, and God responds:

Exodus 19:10-11
"Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch."

Before revelation comes preparation.

The people wanted to encounter God, but first, they had to consecrate themselves—to prepare their hearts, remove distractions, and realign themselves with God’s holiness.

Too often, we long for a move of God but don’t prepare ourselves to receive it. We seek breakthroughs without making space for God to work in us first.

1 Peter 1:15
"Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy."

If we desire more of God, we must be willing to set ourselves apart.

What distractions are holding you back?

3. Third Climb: Encounter

The people consecrate themselves and wait at the foot of the mountain.

Then Exodus 19:20 says:
"Then the Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain."

This moment is unlike anything Israel has experienced before. Thunder roars, lightning flashes, smoke covers the mountain, and the earth trembles. The presence of God is overwhelming.

Moses ascends again—this time into a direct encounter with God.

Many of us desire an encounter with God, but how often do we position ourselves for it?

Are we willing to step away from distractions? To make space for His presence?

A Sunday encounter is good, but it’s not enough. God is calling us higher, into a daily walk of intimacy with Him.

4. Fourth Climb: The Word of God

In Exodus 20, God speaks the Ten Commandments to Moses, revealing His standard for holiness.

God doesn’t just want emotional experiences—He wants us to know His Word.

In a world filled with opinions, distractions, and noise, we need God’s voice to shape our lives.

Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

Are we building our lives on God’s Word or just our feelings?

5. Fifth Climb: Intercession

The people are afraid of God's presence and ask Moses to speak on their behalf.

So Moses climbs again—this time to intercede.

Exodus 24:9-11
"Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. There they saw the God of Israel... and they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in His presence."

Moses doesn’t just go for himself—he brings others into God's presence.

Who are we praying for? Who are we bringing before God?

God calls us not just to experience Him, but to stand in the gap for others.

6. Sixth Climb: The Presence of God

After Israel sins with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God:

Exodus 33:15
"If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."

Moses knew God’s presence was everything. It wasn’t just about the destination—it was about walking with Him.

We can pursue success, security, and even ministry—but without His presence, it means nothing.

Are we pursuing God’s presence above all else?

7. Seventh Climb: The Glory of God

Moses makes one final ascent, and he prays:

Exodus 33:18
"Show me Your glory."

God responds by placing Moses in the cleft of the rock and allowing him to see His goodness pass by.

Moses comes down from the mountain radiating the glory of God.

When we spend time with God, it changes us. His glory transforms our hearts, our character, and our purpose.

Are You Ready to Climb?

Sinai wasn’t just about Moses—it was an invitation to all of Israel.

God wanted all of them to experience His presence. But many stayed at the base out of fear.

Today, the invitation remains:

• God is calling us higher.
• He is calling us to relationship, consecration, and encounter.
• He is calling us to live by His Word, to intercede for others, and to seek His presence.
• And He is calling us to reflect His glory in the world.

The mountain is before us.

Are you ready to climb?

Jon Baldwin