Scripture is a treasure chest of transition words: but, therefore, instead, yet, and so. God’s story is a metanarrative, the movements of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Our God loves to tell the story of breathing life into dead bones.
The book of Hebrews especially spends considerable time comparing the wrath of God with the salvation of Jesus in our new covenant. If you were with us during the Exodus study, you might remember reading the first-hand account of what this passage of Hebrews is describing. Moses and the Israelites were saved from bondage and brought to Mount Sinai. God gave them the Ten Commandments and law at the foot of that mountain. He was establishing an earthly kingdom in the promised land.
God knows that our hearts are bent toward wickedness. He is a good God to tell us the truth about our situation. He exposes our need for His mercy and grace by showing up at Mount Sinai with the law.
A transition word comes next: instead. “Instead, you have come to Mount Zion” (Hebrews 12:22). What is at the foot of this mountain? Take a moment to re-read these verses: Hebrews 12:22–24.
Can you feel the tension released, the exhale, in this gospel message?
The Old Testament prophesied about the new covenant and Mediator that was to come (Isaiah 62:11). Our God placed the wrath of Mount Sinai on our Jesus so that we can be secure in our salvation. God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken! As the reading today points out, this truth should invoke us to be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the fruit of obedience, peace in a troubled world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.
In my devotional/journaling Bible is this prayer: “Dear God, Give your daughter the ability to see You as the loving, kind Father that You are. HELP her to RUN to Your open arms daily and respond with a heart of praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.” The emphasis is mine.
In Kasey’s last paragraph she says “Our God placed the wrath of Mount Sinai on our Jesus so that we can be secure in our salvation. God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken! As the reading today points out, this truth should invoke us to be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the fruit of obedience, peace in a troubled world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.” WOW!!! That really says it all and makes me think. It makes me want THANK and PRAISE God for ALL He has done for me and given me.
I want to thank all my sisters for all the prayers. We will be moving on Sunday. I don’t know how long we will be living in this house but my sister and I have decided to make the best of it. I seem to be the only one with an optimistic attitude about not being there long and the lawyer being able to get us out of it.
Be blessed and ALWAYS think positive sisters.
How much we have to look forward to! I have hope of things yet to come. I am so thankful, for he is good all the time. Oh may my eyes be opened every day to his kindnesses and what he is doing.
The truth that God is a consuming fire is a comfort to the believer. They realize the Father poured out his consuming fire of judgment on the Son, (his son, Jesus) in our place. When he did it, it completely consumed the guilt of sin in all who believe. The penalty of sin was consumed in Jesus at the cross. The old covenant from Sinai shook the earth, the new covenant from Zion will shake both the earth and heaven. We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. So grateful and thankful that God gives us this foundation to be secure and safe, where we can stand firm.
My name is on the King’s list. I am enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). As the earth is shaking with the tremors of time, I am not afraid of what is coming. “Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken (an unshakable Kingdom), let us give thanks, by which we may worship God in a well-pleasing way, with reverence and awe, for indeed our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). I respond with wonderment and gratitude. This wonderful yet dangerous love of God is my shield. He consumes me in His refining fire, but I am loved and not destroyed, because I am His. I am protected from the Enemy, and from the elements and spirits of this world. What a gift He has given us. It is ours to open with joy and salvation each and every day. Our bodies are barriers to the heavenly realm now, but/and we will have new ones in the coming Kingdom. Even as we experience pain now, my soul experiences unshakable mercy and love with Jesus. So out of this weighted life here and now, I am held by gravity. But/and my spirit is held by grace. Father God, let my words and actions serve You. May Your love flow through me in ways that others experience Your unshakable peace. As I live and breathe, make me more humble. Give me strength and courage to face the coming days. Maranatha. Amen.
Churchmouse, I too walk into change a bit squeamish. The change to the New Covenant is a walk I am thankful for. How fortunate I was born in the 50’s AD and not BC. Can you imagine trying to be a Godly person in so much disarray and un-Godly acts? We walk in a world of redemption with the Holy Spirit to guide us, with a Christ that died to save us from ourselves and the world. As Tina would say…BUT GOD. ♥️
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Two things from today’s reading – “living God” and “a kingdom that cannot be shaken”
So much comfort in those two phrases. No matter what we are going through, those truths never change. Blessed assurance.
Praying for all of us missing loved ones, especially those with significant dates approaching, and during the holidays that are just around the corner. TINA, TRACI G, SUSAN, MARTHA HIX and so many more.
Also praying for SARAH D, ERICA CHRISTIAN, JENNY SOMERS, AMANDA NOBLE, LYNNE FROM AL/JACK, DOROTHY, HEIDI, GRAMSIESUE/STEVE and others as I read through requests.
Requesting prayer for Shannon’s mom, who is not strong enough to have the bypass surgery needed.
thank you TINA – love you, sister!
Lord thank you for your unshakable kingdom. In a world of turmoil and constant “ earthquakes” I’m grateful to know what my future holds and on especially hard days I cling to your future kingdom. Thank you for the gift of salvation which brings me peace in my present circumstances.