And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Matthew 5:1-2 NKJV
Crowd pulling through fame for a miracle is not a new phenomenon. Miraculous events attract people. They are hoping to witness something extraordinary. Yet, there are others who want to partake in the miracle. This is particularly true in the case of religious figures, where miracles are often seen as a sign of divine intervention. The same was true in the story of Matthew chapter four. Jesus was teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and accompanied it with healing all kinds of sickness and disease (vs23). He became popular and a great multitude came to him, but only a few sought after the teaching, the majority came for the miracles. They did not follow Him to the mountain.
It is essential to remember that miracles, though awe-inspiring, should not be the sole basis for one’s faith. Rather, they are affirmations of one’s beliefs and a call to deepen one’s relationship with God.
Separation at the Mount
However, the Lord Jesus, wanting to make a distinction between the multitude and the disciples, left the valley for a mountain. A place where the multitude could not come. He did not mistake the crowd for a successful ministry. He came to save the lost and to prepare men for the same ministry. Therefore, there’s a need to sieve the genuine follower – disciple, from the crowd. There is a need to make those men and women who can be trusted with divine responsibilities. But one thing is certain: this making is never done in the valley amidst the multitude.
Mountain-climbing Experience
Therefore, this mountain-climbing experience is inevitable for every disciple who is willing to become anything serious in the hand of God. It is on the mountain that the Lord sits, as a refiner of gold and silver to prepare men who will bring offerings in righteousness (Malachi 3:3). The valley is full of crowds and distractions, which makes it unsuitable for a lasting impartation. God used Abraham, Moses, and several other lives for His purpose, including the disciples. This demand cannot be skipped in our own case.
You must voluntarily climb up the mount to be with the Lord. There are lessons He will only teach on the mountain, which are critical to the fulfilment of your purpose. So, if I may ask you, what are you still doing in the valley? When will you climb on to the mountain for lasting divine impartation?