Mt. Sinai Or Mt. Zion?

Hebrews 12:18-29

Many of you might have seen the classic 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments”, with Charlton Heston, which doesn’t stray too far from the Biblical account of events in the Book of Exodus.  Some of the more impressive and spectacular scenes in the movie are those on Mount Sinai, showing the clouds, lightning, and terrible majesty of God speaking to Moses. These are the Biblical scenes from Exodus 19-20 that our writer of Hebrews is referring to in our passage.  Let’s take a look at what the Lord has to say to us out of His Word today.

When the Israelites left Egypt and came to Mount Sinai to receive the Law, the mountain was foreboding and terrifying to the people.  They were strictly warned not to approach the mountain, or even touch it (vs. 18-21). Only Moses was allowed up the mountain to meet with God.  In contrast Mount Zion (this not referring here to Jerusalem, but rather to God’s heavenly abode) is inviting and gracious. No one could please God on Mt. Sinai’s terms.  To accomplish that one would have to keep the whole Old Testament Law. However, Mt. Zion is accessible to all who come to God through the Lord Jesus (vs 22). He is the Firstborn (vs. 23), and the Church is comprised of all believers, who are also fellow heirs with Him.

In the previous chapter our author had listed many heroes of faith, the first one being Abel.  Abel’s offering, though pleasing and offered in faith and obedience, had no atoning power. Jesus’ Blood alone can cleanse our sins and bring salvation (vs 24).  We find that Blood through Mt. Zion, not Mt. Sinai, through the Lord Jesus, not the Old Testament Law.

We are strongly warned of the dire consequences of refusing the sacrifice made through Jesus’ Blood (vs. 25).  The apostates, those who refuse this sacrifice of Jesus’ Blood, will pay a terrible price. If the punishment was severe at Mt. Sinai, how much more severe will it be for those who turn away from Mt. Zion, and hold the Blood of Jesus lightly?  The terror and judgment far exceeds that of Mt. Sinai. God shook the earth when He came to Mt. Sinai. From Mt. Zion He will shake the whole universe (vs. 26-27). Only things eternal will remain.

Everything on earth we rely on can be shaken.  What can we count on in perilous times? What rock can we build our lives on?  God wants us to stop trusting in earthly things, and turn completely in trust to Him.  God is unwavering and immovable (vs. 28). Only His kingdom will endure. We need to build our lives on the foundation of God’s love, truth, and faithfulness.  He will hold us steadfast. For those who accept Jesus as Savior, no matter what happens here on earth, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed.  We should not put our confidence in what can be destroyed, but instead build our lives on Jesus and His unshakeable kingdom. Through Him we have a kingdom that cannot be moved, shaken, or fall apart.  Instead of looking at what we can see, focus instead on what we can’t see.

The flame of a candle can easily be put out, but the raging blaze of wildfires often cannot be contained.  God cannot be controlled, either (vs. 29). We cannot force Him to do anything. Yet He loves us and saved us from our sins.  Everything that is worthless and sinful will be consumed by the fire of His wrath. God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire.  He will not ever condone sin! Only those who come to God through Jesus Christ will be saved.

There was punishment for disobeying the Old Testament Law.  It is far worse for rejecting salvation through God’s Son, Jesus.  Have you come to the Father through the shed Blood of Jesus? He is waiting, right now, to accept you.  As the old-time hymn says, “Come to the Savior, make no delay. See in His Word, He’s shown us the way.”