Majestic and Magnificent
It’s 14,410 feet of majesty and magnificence. On a clear day in the Puget Sound, it isn’t just visible; it’s prominent. In fact, it dominates the skyline!
Situated just 40 miles Southeast of my home in Tacoma, Mount Rainier often appears as a giant hologram … startlingly vivid but technologically created. Only it’s not. It’s absolutely real!
Also referred to as Mount Tahoma, it certainly isn’t the highest mountain in the world. At least 16 other mounts are supposedly taller … some by only the smidge of a few feet. Nevertheless, Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State and the Cascade Range, and as inspiring a mountain as can be found anywhere.
The reason for its impressiveness is due to what scientists call “topographic prominence,” or how far a mountain extrudes from the surface around it. In fact, of the 128 “ultra-prominent mountain peaks” in the United States, Mount Rainier is ranked third! It has a topographic prominence of 13,210 feet. Majestic and magnificent indeed!
Tahoma is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. Its 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snow and ice add to the mountain’s striking view year-round. These glaciers spawn five sizable rivers: the Cowlitz, Carbon, Mowich, Nisqually and Puyallup.
But under the cold and beautiful ice rages fiery lava. Rainier is an active volcano. While it hasn’t produced a major eruption in about 500 years, it is the source of frequent seismic activity (earthquakes). There is a high probability of future eruptions, making it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. It’s sheer size, towering over 3-plus million people, as well as the significant mantle of ice adorning it, could result in massive lahars devastating huge swaths of populated countryside. Not only is Mount Rainier majestic and magnificent, it is daunting and intimidating as well!
I’ve often thought that Mount Rainier is an apt symbol of the Lord.
The state of Washington is blessed with not just multiple volcanoes and multiple mountains; it’s blessed with multiple mountain ranges! But none of the other many mountains can compare with Tahoma. It clearly rises above all the rest. As does our God. There are many other “gods,” but none can compete with the Lord. He stands above all. He stands alone.
Interestingly, there are actually three peaks atop the mountain: Columbia Crest, Point Success, and Liberty Cap. The Bible describes the One-and-Only-God as comprising three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. One mountain yet three peaks; one God yet three persons. Certainly not a perfect illustration, but fascinating nonetheless.
There is no denying the hidden danger and potential ferocity of the volcano that is Mount Rainier. It can surely bring destruction. So too can the God of the Bible. There is nothing more lethal than the Lord. To ignore Him or reject Him inevitably leads to ruination.
Tahoma is gorgeous – striking to the eyes and stirring to the emotions! But there is nothing more beautiful than our God in all his glory. Nothing in all of creation, not even the shimmering angels, can compare. Yet God’s greatest beauty, his ultimate glory, resides in the fact that he saved sinners. God’s grace demonstrated by God himself taking our place and dying our death, is an act of unspeakable loveliness … and love. It stirs our souls and pours joy into our hearts.
Just as Mount Rainier often appears to “float” on the horizon … suggesting an unreal presence, so the Lord can seem distant and unattached to our reality as well. But just as Rainier actually exists, our God is also “Fact,” and intimately connected to us. He is real, and really engaged in our lives.
On the rare non-overcast days in the Fall through Spring in Western Washington, the locals often state jubilantly, “The Mountain is out!” Of course, “The Mountain” is always there, whether the weather allows us to see it or not. And so it is with our God. Even when we can’t lay our eyes upon Him, the Lord is still with us. Then there are those times where God’s presence, providence and protection are obvious, and we exclaim, “The Lord is here!”
When my aunt was in Washington for my ordination, she nicknamed Mt. Rainier the “Silent Intruder.” A person can be lost in thought driving or walking, just minding their own business, when suddenly Rainier pops into view and takes one’s breath away. If we are looking through the eyes of faith, God does that often! We recognize God’s appearances and activity repeatedly in our day-to-day lives. He frequently leaves us in awe. We certainly experience that when we focus our eyes on the cross. Breathtaking indeed!
“This is what the LORD says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? … Do not tremble, do not be afraid. … Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:6-8).
Mount Rainier is undeniably majestic and magnificent. But the mountain doesn’t even come close to the majesty and magnificence of the Lord, our Rock and Redeemer!