WHERE WE HAVE COME

HEBREWS 12:18–29

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly

(Hebrews 12:22).

The author of Hebrews now contrasts the privileges of the new covenant saints with those of the old covenant. The old covenant saints persevered in faith because they heard Him who spoke to them on earth at Mount Sinai. We have heard Him who speaks from heaven, from the New Jerusalem.

Mount Sinai is described in verses 18–21. It burned with the fire of God’s presence (v. 29), but was surrounded with gloom and storm. It was terrifying, even to Moses himself. God warned the people that if even a beast approached the mountain, it was to be killed.

The New Jerusalem, which we have already come to, is less terrifying. It is less terrifying because it is open and glorious instead of shrouded by clouds. Jesus is there, and His blood cries out for redemption (unlike Abel’s blood, which cried from the ground for vengeance). At Sinai, it appeared that God was surrounded by storm clouds. But at this heavenly city, we see clearly that God is surrounded by millions of angels in festal array, as well as by the spirits of the departed saints.

In another sense, however, the New Jerusalem is even more terrifying than Mount Sinai. This is because greater privileges mean greater responsibilities. Those who refused God when He spoke at Sinai died. How much worse will it be for those who refuse God when He speaks from the heavenly Jerusalem? The revelation of God’s plan has been completed. Jesus has come, died, risen, and is now enthroned in heaven. If men reject this new heavenly Gospel, it will be far worse for them.

Verses 26–27 tell us that God shook the earth once at Mount Sinai, but now He has entered into the Age of Shaking. The shaking of the earth and the heavens in verse 26 is a continual action, and verse 27 says it will continue until only the kingdom of God is left standing. The tribulations we experience may feel like we are being shaken, but in fact Christ’s kingdom cannot be shaken. Thus, once again the exhortation is to stand firm and hold fast. God is shaking down the world and shaking people into the kingdom. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but the church of Jesus constantly remains.

CORAM DEO

Psalms 94–96

Events in Eastern Europe show how quickly God can shake down nations. It can happen here too, wherever “here” is for you. In the light of this, where does your first loyalty lie? Have you ever felt a conflict between church and your nation?

For further study: Ex. 19:10–25 • Phil. 3:17–4:1 • Rev. 5:11–12

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