Better Promises : WK 6 - THU
Hebrews 12:18-24
You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.
For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.
There is quite a contrast in these passages. First, we are reminded of the experience the Israelites had when they came out of Egypt and came into the presence of God. It wasn’t that great. God’s voice was so powerful it was painful to hear. His power was so great it brought fear into His people. Even Moses, who had already experienced God in the desert and in Egypt was scared out of his sandals. God was an intimidating presence that struck fear in the hearts of all who came before Him. Many thought they would die.
Now compare that to what the author of Hebrews says was the reality of the believers of his time. There is joy in those gathering before the Lord. They are the perfect children of God, and that declaration is made by the judge himself. They gather before Jesus, who is interceding for them and offering forgiveness for all. What a difference!
When the people heard these words it must have brought them so much hope, especially to those who were considering giving up on the whole “Jesus” thing. Yes, things were getting difficult and scary, but they now could stand in front of a loving God who was going to forgive them, cleans them with the blood of Jesus, and make them perfect. Those words were not just for them. They are for you, too.
You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai.
For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.
There is quite a contrast in these passages. First, we are reminded of the experience the Israelites had when they came out of Egypt and came into the presence of God. It wasn’t that great. God’s voice was so powerful it was painful to hear. His power was so great it brought fear into His people. Even Moses, who had already experienced God in the desert and in Egypt was scared out of his sandals. God was an intimidating presence that struck fear in the hearts of all who came before Him. Many thought they would die.
Now compare that to what the author of Hebrews says was the reality of the believers of his time. There is joy in those gathering before the Lord. They are the perfect children of God, and that declaration is made by the judge himself. They gather before Jesus, who is interceding for them and offering forgiveness for all. What a difference!
When the people heard these words it must have brought them so much hope, especially to those who were considering giving up on the whole “Jesus” thing. Yes, things were getting difficult and scary, but they now could stand in front of a loving God who was going to forgive them, cleans them with the blood of Jesus, and make them perfect. Those words were not just for them. They are for you, too.
- What are you most looking forward to when you think about heaven?
- Is there any part of God that scares you? Why?
- Are you comfortable being in the presence of God? Why or why not?
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