Tuesday, May 18, 2010

A Body of Evidence

Australian mountain climber Duncan Chessell is beginning his final ascent today to the top of Mount Everest. This mountain in the Himalayas boasts the highest peak in the world (29,002 feet; 8,840 meters). It has been scaled by some 2,700 individuals over the years, and by the end of 2009 in these efforts 216 lives have been lost.

Chessell's mission, this being his third time to attempt to climb Everest, is to find evidence on the mountain that may prove that the summit was first reached in 1924. As of now, credit is given to New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who are acknowledged as the first to conquer Everest in 1953.

In 1924, Briton George Mallory and fellow countryman Andrew Irvine perished somewhere near the summit of the great mountain. In 1999, Mallory's body was finally recovered, but the camera equipment has still not been found. Chessell is hoping to discover Irvine's body, and along with it photographic evidence that these two men did what was absolutely unthinkable in 1924. If everything goes with the plan, Chessell will reach the peak sometime this weekend.

This fascinating story brought to my mind the value of what each one of us may leave behind. One day, we too will have reached the summit of this life. Our lives will be only memories for those who will carry on. Will we leave something in ourselves worthy of another man's discovery? Will our contribution to this world be hidden in some distant land, unattainable for those who need the evidence of our journey? Or will we make sure that the scope of our life was much more than just a climb, but rather a victory of the highest degree?

The truth of God's word allows us to stand upon mountains. We have the banner of hope that we can drive into the highest peaks of our land and declare victory and possession in the name of our Savior and Lord. We have the greatness of the church, the kingdom of God in this world that we can bring to other people. We cannot let this evidence die with us - for the gospel is the greatest story ever told.

If you have gained such a victory - If you have scaled such a mountain - Than say so!

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy" ~ Psalm 170:2

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