Come Close to Him
The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking close communion with Jesus through prayer and meditation in our busy lives.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of seeking close communion with Jesus, drawing from the experience of Peter, John, and James witnessing the transfiguration on the mountain. He emphasizes the need for Christians to have their own 'Olivet,' a place of quiet thought, prayer, and heart fellowship with God, away from the distractions and pressures of daily life. Cowman encourages believers to seek moments of meditation and prayer to catch glimpses of heaven's glory and experience the presence of the Lord in their lives.
Text
"He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray, and as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering . . . they saw his glory" (Luke 9:29, 32).
"If I have found grace in thy sight, show me thy glory" (Exod. 33:13).
When Jesus took these three disciples up into that high mountain apart, He brought them into close communion with Himself. They saw no man but Jesus only; and it was good to be there. Heaven is not far from those who tarry on the mount with their Lord.
Who has not in moments of meditation and prayer caught a glimpse of opening gates? Who has not in the secret place of holy communion felt the rush of some white surging wave of emotion--a foretaste of the joy of the blessed?
The Master had times and places for quiet converse with His disciples, once on the peak of Hermon, but oftener on the sacred slopes of Olivet. Every Christian should have his Olivet. Most of us, especially in the cities and towns, live at high pressure. From early morning until bedtime we are exposed to the whirl. Amid all this maelstrom how little chance for quiet thought, for God's Word, for prayer and heart fellowship!
Daniel needed to have an Olivet in his chamber amid Babylon's roar and idolatries. Peter found his on a housetop in Joppa; and Martin Luther found his in the "upper room" at Wittenberg, which is still held sacred.
Dr. Joseph Parker once said: "If we do not get back to visions, peeps into heaven, consciousness of the higher glory and the larger life, we shall lose our religion; our altar will become a bare stone, unblessed by visitant from Heaven." Here is the world's need today--men who have seen their Lord. --The Lost Art of Meditation
Come close to Him! He may take you today up into the mountain top, for where He took Peter with his blundering, and James and John, those sons of thunder who again and again so utterly misunderstood their Master and His mission, there is no reason why He should not take you. So don't shut yourself out of it and say, "Ah, these wonderful visions and revelations of the Lord are for choice spirits!" They may be for you! --John McNeill
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of close communion with Jesus
- Examples of biblical figures who sought solitude with God
- The transformative power of prayer
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II
- The need for personal 'Olivets' in our lives
- Finding quiet moments amidst life's chaos
- The significance of meditation and reflection
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III
- The call to experience God's glory
- Encouragement to seek divine visions
- The relevance of spiritual encounters today
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IV
- The dangers of losing sight of spiritual experiences
- The necessity of maintaining a vibrant faith
- The role of community in spiritual growth
Key Quotes
“Heaven is not far from those who tarry on the mount with their Lord.” — Charles E. Cowman
“If we do not get back to visions, peeps into heaven, consciousness of the higher glory and the larger life, we shall lose our religion.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Come close to Him! He may take you today up into the mountain top.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Set aside dedicated time each day for prayer and reflection to deepen your relationship with God.
- Create a personal 'Olivet' where you can escape the noise of daily life and connect with the divine.
- Encourage others in your community to seek their own spiritual experiences and share in the journey of faith.