Why is it that every time we have a mountain-top experience, it seems to be followed by a big downer? Why can’t we just stay up forever? Students often express that they’d like to stay at camp all year! I love the up too—but what goes up, must come down.

September 1-2, 2018
Pastor Joe Wittwer
Summer Bible Series
From the mountain to the valley
Luke 9:28-43 (p. 890)

Introduction and offering:

Have you ever had a mountain-top experience—off-the-charts good—only to have it followed immediately by a big downer? You’re up here, and suddenly you come crashing down, back to earth. Up…then down. Things are great…things are terrible. This happens a lot—have you noticed?

You get up early to read the Bible and pray; you connect with God; you come away filled and energized. Then the kids get up. Or you get to work. Or…you fill in the blank—but it’s back to earth, back to real life. It reminds me of one of favorite prayers:

ILL: Dear Lord, so far today, I’m doing alright. I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, or selfish. I have not whined, complained, cursed, or eaten any chocolate. I have charged nothing on my credit card. But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and then I think I’ll really need your help!

It’s bad when the high point of your day is before you get out of bed, and then it’s all downhill from there!

Today we are reading two stories from the gospel of Luke: one up, the other down. One glorious experience on a mountain top; the other an embarrassing failure back down in the valley. Up…then down. We’re going to unpack both stories and then finish talking about the ups and downs of life.</