Two Very Important Mountains You Need to Know About

“Now it shall be, when the LORD your God has brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.”

―Deuteronomy 11:29

Today I reflected on Deuteronomy 11:26-32.  Two very important mountains are listed in this passage: Mt. Gerizim (The mountain of blessing) and Mt. Ebal (The mountain of cursing). 

We seldom think of God in terms of him placing a curse upon people.  But the bible (both testaments) has a lot to say about God’s curses. 

When you think about God cursing someone (yourself!) don’t think in terms of God have a “ray gun” that he uses to sap people when he catches them doing wrong. 

Instead, think of God being an absolute unchanging Being (immutable) with an absolutely perfect and righteous standard.  And from that standard flows responses. 

When we stray away from his standard we begin to climb Mt. Ebal and into the rain of his judgment/curses.  But when we choose to walk toward his good standards (Mt. Gerizim) – meant for our good and the welfare and flourishing of mankind – we ascend into the sunshine of his blessings. 

The following very rudimentary picture is how I drew it in my granddaughter, Annie’s bible:

The key thought I am trying to portray is that we are always living somewhere between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim.  And the difference is huge!

And one other thing, I think it is important to understand that this is not just a salvation issue.  Even for Christians our actions have consequences.  Yes, we are saved by faith through the atonement of Jesus, but that does not exempt us from the consequences of our actions.  When we disobey God it has drastic negative affects – both on our self and those around us.

The ONE THING for today (Prayer): Most holy and immutable Father GOD, I am thankful that you are faithfully steadfast and predictable.  You do not write the rules as we go along.  You are dependable and your standards are inviolable.  I pray that YOU will teach us your ways and your expectations and empower us to live holy and righteous lives – both to honor you and bring you glory and to also ensure that we live a fulfilling life that brings joy to ourselves and blesses many others.  Amen.

That is why I often say: “Run2win!” and use Paul’s description as one of my key life verses: