City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

‘For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. ‘

–Hebrews 12:18-24 (ESV)

‘And in the same way, although God has every right to unleash his anger and demonstrate his power, yet he is extremely patient with those who deserve wrath—vessels prepared for destruction. And doesn’t he also have the right to release the revelation of the wealth of his glory to his vessels of mercy, whom God prepared beforehand to receive his glory? Even for us, whether we are Jews or non-Jews, we are those he has called to experience his glory. ‘

–Romans 9:22-24 (TPT)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses in Hebrews 12 highlight the glaring differences between the old and new covenants with vivid imagery of God’s encounter with humanity on two distinct mountains: Sinai and Zion. 

Mount Sinai brings us back to the time of Moses when he delivered the children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt which culminated in a covenant with God and the law of God written on tablets of stone. This scene is marked with terrifying phenomena such as blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and violent thunderstorms. It evokes fear at the thought of God’s judgment. This mountain of fear had a repelling effect on God’s people–they did not want to come near Him. 

In stark contract, Mount Zion is characterized by God’s mercy and forgiveness, celebration of angels, and an encouraging forecast for sinful humanity. Interestingly, the author of Hebrews alludes to the blood of Abel which cried out to God following Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel. Abel’s blood cried out to God for justice. But what of the blood that speaks better things? The blood of our Savior cries out to God: “Holy!” “Redeemed!” “Forgiven!” 

Truly, that is worlds better! Christ achieved what we never could. He satisfied God’s justice and mercy all at once. He bore the brunt of the punishment of our sin and has purchased our freedom from sin with His blood. How unabashedly wonderful! 

God’s anger and judgment have been completely satisfied via the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Jesus tasted death, so that we could live in God’s Kingdom forever and ever. This is worth shouting about! 

Application

Have you ever been guilty of some wrongdoing and had to face the music? Let’s say you got a speeding ticket or cheated on a math test and got caught, or some other malfeasance. Now, what if when confronted with the law/authority, instead of getting your rightful comeuppance, you were shown mercy and forgiveness? 

How would that make you feel about that person? For one, if you realized the punishment you could have gotten and didn’t, the only proper response is gratitude. 

Take a moment to ponder the glorious truth that you are completely forgiven and off the hook of any punishment for sins you have committed. Enjoy that freedom and allow God’s mercy to sink into your heart and erupt in praise! 

Prayer

Father God, I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. I am eternally grateful for Your love and mercy towards me. May I never think lightly of the costly grace You so sweetly and consistently give me. Thank You for this new covenant that speaks better things. In Jesus’ name, amen.