The Greater Mountain

In the Old Testament, it was not unusual for people to be terrified and in awe of God’s presence. For example, in Exodus 20:18-19 it says, “When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.” The people were afraid because they knew they were sinful and God is holy and awesome, with power beyond imagining. The book of Hebrews reminds us that the old covenant was built on the law, on following rules, and on fear. However, since God has established a new and eternal covenant of grace with us in Jesus Christ, we can confidently approach God's throne. As we near the end of Hebrews and study Hebrews 12, we are once again shown the difference between law and grace. We are reminded where we are running and what the destination is - not Sinai, but Zion! Not trembling, but joy! Not death, but life! Hebrews 12:22-23 says, “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” Because of Jesus Christ, we have been given access to God in a way never thought possible during the time of Moses. May each of us run with joy towards that final destination, knowing that we are finishing our race well!