Hebrews 12:20-24 "(For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: (21) And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) (22) 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, (23) 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, (24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel."
Have you ever stopped to think about how blessed you and I truly are? We
sometimes think of blessings as though they only consist of material things. We
think of blessings in terms of health. We often hear people proclaim a
health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine; and quite honestly, that sounds really
nice to the natural, carnal mind. We all would like to have good health and not
worry about the aches and pains and illnesses that attack our bodies. We all
would like to have at least enough money in the bank that if we wanted to buy a
new suit or a new dress, we would not have to "rob Peter to pay
Paul." We all truly want to prosper in life whether it be a raise in
pay, a promotion on the job, or to be able to enjoy retirement. But in my
understanding, true blessings are not measured by what we hold in our hands;
rather, we are blessed when, by God's grace, we can understand and find joy in
the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The people of the Old Testament had somewhat of a relationship with God; but it
was a relationship of distance. I understand there were those who enjoyed a
close and intimate walk with God. We saw back in chapter 11 that Enoch
"walked with God and was taken." Certainly Abraham was blessed
with a relationship that was so wonderful that he is mentioned numerous times
in the New Testament. And so it is with David and many others. But for the most
part, the average person of Israel could only approach God through the High
Priest of that year, which was another man whose place would be taken by
another when he would die.
We are blessed! We are not brought to a place where God says, "do
not touch the mountain." We are not come to a place where God says,
"Only Moses can approach me. The rest of you keep your distance." No, we are blessed to be drawn to a place where even Abraham sought to
enter. Remember back in Chapter 11:10, "For he looked for a city which
hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." He looked for that
city. Notice in verse 22 of today's text, "But ye are come unto mount
Sion, and unto the city of the living God." And this mount is open
to all of God's children to boldly approach, through faith, into the very
presence of the Most High God. This "city of the living God" is
the very kingdom of heaven here on earth in which you and I can walk by faith.
It is a kingdom of "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
We will look further at these verses soon, the Lord willing. But for now,
think upon these things. We are blessed beyond measure because the only true
God, through His Son Jesus the Christ, has said to you: "Come to me."
Come to me, you who are tired. Come to me, you who are laboring under the
burdens of life. Come to me, you who are struggling to overcome temptations.
Come to me, you who need direction in life. Come to me, and find rest, comfort,
direction, fellowship, and everything else that is needed for a life of
fulfillment and contentment. For you see, those things are only found through
the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Come to me." We
do that through heartfelt prayers of praise and prayers of pleas for help.
"Come to me."