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 our home, for my 4th and 5th grader, we are studying conjunctions – the connecting words in this commentary. I love that I will be able to show them this to bring an even further connection of how God reveals Himself and His word, even in our every day studies of the English language. Jesus is THE conjunction – connecting a God who is complete and can stand alone with a subordinate people with a need for a conjunction to the complete in order to make sense!
I will chuckle and smile with gratitude as we dig into our lessons today!
Does anyone else feel like there were parts of this devotional that were cut out? I love how it started but it feels like the writer had more to say and it got cut short.
I am so thankful for you ladies. I glean so much from your wisdom. Thank you for sharing and praying for this community. I’m praying for all of you!
We live in a shaking world.
But thankfully we can look ahead to the wonderful future that He has prepared for us.
Until we get there, we run the race with endurance and keep looking to Jesus.
Hugs to my she’s. ❤️
I just love these verses!
SUSAN – Prayers for you and your family as Andy’s birthday approaches. God blessed you with 44 years! Tanner was 33 when he passed. His life expectancy was 10-12 early on and then 27. We made it farther than I expected! I pray you all have a God’s peace over you.
TINA – Thank you for such kind thoughtful words dear sister. You helped me through a hard time with your words without even knowing it. I will be forever grateful. Love to you from across the pond. I was in London in September. Not sure where you are located, but it would have been wonderful to meet you. Big hug
Thank you to all for your prayers. I hold tight to love coming from all around. Prayers for all the She’s requests.
These words: God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We should be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the first of obedience, peace in a troubled mind and world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.
Ephesians 1:18-23 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
As I was reading Hebrews 12:24, the lyrics of the praise song “Better Word” came to mind:
Your blood is healing every wound
Your blood is making all things new
Your blood speaks a better word
Your blood, the measure of my worth
Your blood, more than I deserve
Your blood speaks a better word
Speaks a better word
It’s singing out with life
It’s shouting down the lies
Oh, it echoes through the night
The precious blood of Christ
Speaks a better word
Speaks a better word…
So thankful for the precious blood of Jesus that was poured out for me and all who believe. Because of His blood I belong to a kingdom that can not be shaken, my name is written in heaven – Praise God! So much to be thankful for.
@Traci Gendron – praying for you as the 2nd anniversary of Tanner’s death approaches. May God comfort you, wrap His arms around you and give you peace of heart and mind.❤️
A blessed Thursday to you all!
I look forward to your posts Jennifer Loves Jesus, thank you!