Morning Meditations 7/6/14

Hebrews 12:18-24

From what study I have been able to do this morning, 18-24 is a contrast between Judaism and Christianity and it is a drastic one at that.  Judaism being described as "the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest, and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore." (v. 18-19)  Well dang.  Verses 20 says that they could not endure what was commanded and verse 21 says that the sight was so terrifying that Moses himself said "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling."  I am sure this can be unpacked more.  Verse 18 is referring to Deuteronomy 4 when Moses is recalling what happened at Mt. Sinai way back in Exodus.  I am sure there is someone more read than I that could perhaps lead me to deeper wisdom (this is an invitation) but I interpret this brief description in Hebrews as recalling the foundation of Judaism.  The writer then contrasts that foundation with what appears to be the foundation of Christianity.  Another context clue is the writer says in both v. 18 and 22 the word "mountain" or Mount which I interpret as being the broad foundation on which greater things stand.

Where Judaism is described as being dark and gloomy, Christianity (keeping with the interpretation of these verses as provided by my study bible) is called "Mount Zion, the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God  the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel." (v.22-24) The writer says in 18 that we have not come to that mountain but instead we come to the one just described.  Aside from contrasting two types of beliefs, it also is contrasting the old and new covenants.  The Old bring fear and separation and the New overwhelming blessings.

 I think this contrast is helpful to understanding where our faith as come from and where it is now.  I think a lot of times believers can make the mistake thinking we come to that old mountain.  The truth is much different actually.  We do not come to the mountain where we cannot keep what has been commanded of us, where Moses himself trembled with fear.  We come to a different foundation, the city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.  This is important for our salvation as far as knowing where we stand in the kingdom.  It is interesting to note that in the old covenant, God was Judge and he is mentioned as such in verse 23.  God is still the same and always will be.  The foundations are different though.  Luke 10:20 is reference in verse 23 and it says, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."  There is eternal assurance in the New covenant and in Christianity.  The same cannot be said of Judaism, at least not according to this passage.

If anyone as further input or thoughts, please share. Lets grow together. Thanks for reading.