Scripture Reading — Hebrews 12:18-24

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest… 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” (Hebrews 12:18, 22)

In the Old Testament, it was not unusual for people to be terrified and in awe of God’s presence. For example, in Exodus 20:18-19, “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

The people were afraid because they knew they were sinful and that God is holy and awesome, with power beyond imagining.

The Book of Hebrews helps to explain the significance of Jesus’ death for our sake. When Jesus died on the cross, He experienced the same separation from God that so terrified Israel. By paying for our sins and reconciling us to God, Jesus cut through that darkness forever. The terror of being in God’s presence is no longer there because we can approach God through Christ.

Hebrews urges the believer to approach God at any time. Through Jesus, God made Himself accessible to all believers, regardless of their situations or circumstances. God loves us all, and He is ready to give grace and mercy to help in time of need to all believers who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for providing the way for us to come to You—through Christ, the one and only Savior. Help us to live for You always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.