When we were school-age children, one quick lesson that was taught in grade school was between comparing two or more items, and contrasting them. Comparing focuses on the similarities between them, while contrasting focuses on the differences. In our Scripture for today from the Book of Hebrews, the author takes a little time to contrast for us the differences between Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion, the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, and why one is superior to the other. Let’s see what he has to say, and why this is important for us.
As we read through this Scripture, we need to know what each of these places are, and what they represent here. Mt. Sinai is a real, actual mountain located in the southern Sinai peninsula, in eastern Egypt. Shortly after fleeing Egypt, the people of Israel journeyed to Mt. Sinai where they camped while Moses climbed the mountain. It was from there that he received the Ten Commandments and the other Mosaic Laws from God. It has been a very sacred place from then on. In this passage, Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant, with its laws, judgment, and fear (vs. 18-21). This mountain was a place that evoked fear in the people, as it was marked by fire from God, darkness, tempest, and the Voice of God that caused even Moses to tremble.
It was on Mt. Sinai that God gave Moses, and thus to the people, the Old Covenant laws. While Moses was upon the mountain, the people were sternly warned that they were to keep a good distance away, and neither come near nor touch the mountain. Access to God was restricted. These laws revealed God’s holiness, along with man’s sinfulness. However, they did not offer any permanent solution for mankind’s sin.
In contrast, Mt. Zion in this context is not a physical mountain, but a spiritual reality for believers. It represents the New Covenant, along with grace, access to God, and joyful worship (vs. 22-24). It is from this Mt. Zion that we are welcomed into the heavenly Jerusalem, and we find Jesus, our Mediator, whose Blood brings forgiveness, not vengeance.
While Moses was on Mt. Sinai, the people were warned to keep their distance. Afterwards, when the Tabernacle was made, and later the Temple, the people could only enter the outer courts. Only the priests could go further, and only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and then only once a year. However, with Mt. Zion believers are declared righteous, our sins are forgiven through Jesus, and He brings us near to God the Father. His Blood brings us a New Covenant. Our position in Zion is secure, not based on the Law, but on grace. We can rejoice in our spiritual position, as we are not under wrath, but under grace.
As the author of this epistle continues, he tells us that God still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and His Word, the Bible (vs. 25-27). Those who did not listen when God spoke through Moses and the Law did not escape judgment. Today no one will escape judgment if they do not follow and listen to Jesus. Just as God shook the earth at Mt. Sinai, He will shake heaven and earth again, and all that is not built on Jesus will be removed. Only what is built on Christ will endure. Those who have come to God through the Blood of Jesus have inherited a kingdom that cannot be moved. It cannot be shaken or fall apart. It is going to endure. We need to build our life on the sure foundation of the Word of God. When everything around us is being shaken, we will remain standing.
Our Scripture concludes with a call to worship the Lord God (vs. 28-29). Grace leads us to reverence. True worship flows from gratitude, not fear, however it is still marked by reverential awe. God’s nature hasn’t changed. He is still holy, still consuming in His purity. Grace does not make God less majestic. It does make our access to Him through Jesus more miraculous.
The author warns us that we need to serve God with reverence and godly fear, as He is a consuming fire (vs. 29). God is not a pussy cat. Though He is our Friend and loving Father, He is not a casual buddy. He is not an over-indulgent gray-haired old man who lives in the sky. We should be warned to not hide behind the grace of God and continue to live in secret sin. Some boast that God loves them, and yet they continue to practice sin and condone things condemned in the Bible. God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire. He will never condone evil!
In closing, we need to come to God in worship and service with sincere reverence and awe. Grace does not mean casual worship. God is still an all-holy God. We need to still listen to His Word, and not ignore His Voice. We need to consider where we will be spending eternity and prepare for it.
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