The Fiction Story Mead Mountain by B.K. Dell sets up a huge hook that keeps the reader reading. Will Mead Mountain tumble into the sea on January 17 when Pastor Railey Ellison tells it to up and move?
Railey Ellison is a passionate pastor who feels that God has commanded him to make a public display of Gods power on National television and in faith command Mead Mountain to move.
I must admit it is intriguing enough that I began to read and kept reading. Obviously I cannot tell you the outcome of the mountain, that would be quite a spoiler. Lucky for you, this story is not truly about whether or not Mead Mountain will move. The mountain looms in the scenery, but this story is largely about faith.
The Christian Story
It's about faith, stupid. Sorry, you're not stupid, that's just an expression. The story draws its concept from Matthew 17:20 "Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Here is the verse in more context.
The author of this book, at the start, sets up such a miracle as a means to cause unbelievers to believe in God. At least, that is what the characters believe the purpose of commanding a mountain to move is all about. A discerning reader might be leery.
The interesting thing about faith is that those who have it do not need a miracle to reinforce it and those who do not have faith are not likely to suddenly gain it in response to a miracle. I was happy when the book and its characters came around to this point.
It makes me think of the story of Lazarus and the rich man. (read the full story here) but I'm specifically thinking about the point made at the end. Luke 16:31 “But he told him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”
The truth is, true faith that "works" can only come from one place as stated in Romans 10:17
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.
If it matters where faith comes from, or better, who we have faith in, then it is reasonable to expect first and foremost the miracles that are promised there. For example, transformed attitudes, behaviors, life-styles and even thought patterns. For further examples, resurrection, heaven, everlasting life.
Have you ever wondered why you don’t seem to have enough faith to make a mountain move but you have full confidence in an everlasting life with Christ in heaven? Let me suggest it is not due to the strength of your faith but a promise that was made.
I do not, nor have I ever met anyone who has faith as massively large as a mustard seed. Perhaps with that attitude I never will, but I do have faith and I know others who do as well, and though it seems very small, I've seen it move things more stubborn than mountains.
If you lack faith for such things, you need not look for signs. I would suggest two things. First, ask God for it. Second, immerse yourself in the Bible, read it, listen to it, go to church and listen to the preacher and Sunday School teacher.
Not Rated:
You may have noticed that there is a new rating bar at the top of this blog. Call it a cop-out if you want. I am on the fence with this one and so I'm remaining there. I have deleted many words about all the stuff that troubled me in this book. After a lot of thought, typing and deleting, retyping and re-deleting, in the end, I was just not able to write about it in a fair or helpful fashion.
It will have to be enough to say that Mead Mountain is intriguing, well written and fun to read. It is a fascinating look at faith, but it had some frustrating elements and as far as a gospel message is concerned, it was there for the finding but never truly hit the mark for me.
Are you looking for a good read? Try one of my own books or one of these Fiction Candle recommendations.
Until next time, remember Christ, the author of salvation and the reader of our hearts.
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