“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” (Hebrews 12:22-26 KJV)
This idea of laying aside our personal affections and worldly concerns (v. 1) is wrapped up in the issue of remembering that we have come to God. Our example is Jesus, who is the beginning and the end of our faith (v.2) . . . a better example . . . a stronger faith.
A huge crowd of believers have already proven that we can successfully complete this Christian race. So, we have a greater responsibility and must be diligent about it (v.15). Diligent to inspect our lives regularly. Diligent to guard our blessings. Diligent to know the difference from the old and the new. Diligent to listen to heaven’s call.
We are walking in Zion not wandering in the desert. We are children of the Living God, not dead men or idols. We are citizens of his holy city surrounded by “an innumerable company of angels.” We are in “the general assembly and church of the firstborn” which is recorded in Heaven. We draw near “to God the Judge of all.” And we enjoy fellowship with “the spirits of just people made perfect.”
But most importantly, we serve “Jesus the mediator of the new covenant” and are not subject to the old covenant. We are cleansed by “the blood of sprinkling, which speaks better things than that of Abel.” His blood cried for vengeance and justice, Christ’s blood pleads for mercy and grace. This why it is so important to not refuse God’s call.
Dear Father, thank you for your love and kindness and mercy and grace. Grant that we may heed your call. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today with attention to God’s voice,