Thursday, November 15, 2007

Come to Mount Zion

Hebrews 12:14-29

I've been thinking about times when I have been taken for granted,
times I didn't feel appreciated. These memories came unbidden as I
pondered today's passage:
First, the physical mountain where the Lord met with Moses, a
foreshadowing of the heavenly Jerusalem. Then, "You have come to the
assembly of God's firstborn children" – we who have become heirs
together with Christ.

The Israelites near Mount Sinai experienced something so terrifying
they could not bear it. The Lord was not Someone to take for granted.

Jesus, our great High Priest, has made possible unlimited access to the
Father. We are now invited to draw near to God. To a joyful gathering
of angels and saints. To a sovereign who is majestic in his holiness.
And, I believe, no less awesome than the voice heard that day in the
Sinai desert.

Enter boldly (Hebrews 10:19) into his presence. Confidently.
Purposefully. Yet neither presumptuously nor haphazardly. Not taking
him for granted. Not like Esau. We are told in Genesis 25 how Esau
traded his birthright for a meal of bread and lentil stew. "Thus Esau
despised his birthright" – his inheritance, especially the covenant
promises God had given to Abraham.

Thus, we are reminded to cherish the inheritance that is ours through
the blood of Jesus. We may need to guard against a casual attitude
toward the things of God – toward worship. Be grateful for the new
covenant which is ours. Count as precious our times of fellowship with
God. And may our love for him inspire holy living.

Together, we look forward to the time when earth and heaven will be
shaken and all be made perfect.

Deetje Wildes

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