It was the most exciting moment of his life. As he stepped onto the highest summit in the world, Sir Edmund Hillary was in his glory. He, along with his companion Tenzing, gazed out over the world from the top of Mt Everest. The struggle had been very difficult, and at times, nearly impossible. Oxygen masks had to be worn, temperatures were extremely cold, and winds blew at alarming speeds. Many had to turn back, some from exhaustion, others from the adverse conditions; but for Hillary and Tenzing, this moment of glory was worth all the hardships they had endured.

On the 29th of May 1953, the two started their final ascent to the top. At 28,000 feet they came upon a narrow knife-shaped ridge that demanded complete concentration and steady feet. The snow was crusty on top, but soft underneath, and often their feet suddenly broke through. This was extremely dangerous as it could easily knock them off balance. On their right were great overhangs of ice and snow; on their left sheer cliffs. It would take but one wrong move to plunge them 10,000 feet to the rocks below.

They stopped for a break just below the southern summit. Here they checked their oxygen. They had enough, but none to spare. Hopes soared as Hillary's axe bit into the first steep slope of the last ridge. It was good hard snow and the weather was perfect. After an hour of steady climbing on the ridge, they came to their most formidable obstacle, a rock step some 40 feet high. This point could mean the difference between failure and success. There was just one way, a small crack between the rock and the cornice. Fortunately it was big enough to squeeze up through. Sinking their deep spikes into the snow, and grabbing any rock-hold possible, they made it over the rock. After two more hours of cutting and climbing Hillary looked up to see the summit. It would take only a few more whacks of the ice-axe and they would be on the top. With renewed vigor they moved laboriously to the top.

At 11:30 AM they triumphantly stood upon the top of Mt Everest!! Initially, feelings of relief washed over them-they had no more steps to cut, no more ridges to scale-then the reality sunk in, they were the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest. It was truly delightful, a moment of glory and ecstasy. They threw their arms around each other and then took pictures. What great climbers these men were! They reached the highest point in the world. Indisputably, they deserve praise for the accomplishment they made. Their efforts, skill, and perserverence earned them the unique honor of being the first climbers to conquer Everest.

In a small way this reminds us of the great position and glory earned by the man we learned about in our previous Bible story, the Lord jesus Christ. He alone deserves the highest place, not only because of who He is, but because of the great work He did at calvary. He conquered sin and, through his sacrifice, made it possible for you to be saved through faith in Him.

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