How can we apply the call to "come, let us go up" today? Setting the Scene Isaiah 2:3: “And many peoples will go and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us His ways and we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” What the Call Meant Then • A literal, future pilgrimage of nations to a real Jerusalem after Messiah’s return • A desire for God’s direct instruction, leading to obedience and worldwide peace Why the Call Still Echoes Now • Hebrews 10:19-22 points believers to “draw near” through the finished work of Christ • James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” • Though the ultimate fulfillment is future, the invitation to ascend spiritually is present and urgent Practical Steps to “Go Up” Today 1. Personal Worship • Set deliberate, unrushed time daily to exalt God (Psalm 95:6). • Use Scripture-fed praise; sing or speak passages such as Psalm 145. 2. Scripture Intake for Obedience • Approach the Word expecting God to teach (Isaiah 2:3). • Read, then immediately identify one concrete act of obedience. 3. Local Church Engagement • Gather consistently (Hebrews 10:25); corporate worship mirrors ascending together. • Submit to sound preaching that explains and applies God’s law and gospel. 4. Pursuit of Holiness • Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Replace sinful habits with Spirit-led actions (Galatians 5:16-25). 5. Gospel Witness • Invite others to ascend with you: “Come, see what God has done” (Psalm 66:5). • Speak of Christ’s finished work that grants access (John 14:6). Daily Rhythm That Mirrors the Climb Morning: Begin with upward focus—read, pray, praise. Midday: Re-center with a brief Scripture meditation; realign actions with God’s paths. Evening: Review the day; thank God for obedience enabled and confess where needed. Long-Range Habits That Keep Us Ascending • Quarterly fast or retreat for concentrated seeking (Matthew 6:16-18). • Ongoing study of prophecy to fuel hope in the literal future ascent (Revelation 21:24-26). • Regular fellowship with mature believers for mutual encouragement (Proverbs 27:17). Encouragement for the Journey Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” The King Himself guarantees access now and a physical ascent soon. Until that day, keep climbing by faith. |
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