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The writer of Hebrews contrasts the terror God's people felt in his presence under the old covenant with the confidence we feel since Jesus Christ has become our mediator. But he goes on to point to a proper balance for how we approach God, combining thankfulness with undiminished reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:18-29

1. How would you have felt (vv. 18-21) if you were among those at the foot of Mount Sinai? (For a fuller description see Exodus 19:10-25; Deuteronomy 4:11-12; 5:22-26.)
2. What are some characteristics of the heavenly city of God?
3. Have you thought of yourself (v. 23) as a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem right now? Why or why not?
4. Who is "the One who speaks to us from heaven"? (See Heb. 9:24a.)
5. Why is your responsibility—and danger—greater than for the Israelites in the wilderness? (See Heb. 2:2-4.)
6. What (v. 27) makes for unshakeable faith?
7. Do most believers you know have a balanced concept of God (as in verse 28)? How about yourself? What might need adjusting?

Ask God to help you to worship him in a manner that acknowledges both his love, grace, and mercy and his sovereignty, holiness, and splendor.

18 You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God's command: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death." 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, "I am terrified and trembling."

22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.

25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.

28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Keep me, God, from a presumptuous stance in Your majestic presence, but grant me a humble confidence based on Your sacrificial love.

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