It amazes me how fast things can go up and down. Jenny and I noticed yesterday that massive downs, at least here recently, are quickly answered by something just as encouraging. I honestly think that this is God’s plan to build faith back in us after we allowed ourselves to be so hurt. He is, in answer to my prayers, showing Himself strong for us.
It is still a difficult process but it is good to be reminded that things are getting better and could always be worse. It is amazing to know we have a God who cares about our hurts even when they are misplaced. That we have a God of hope.
That is what Hebrews 12:18-24 reminds us of.
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
This section is really a comparison and contrast between two different realities. We generally call these things the new and old covenant, but that terminology can be confusing for most people. The Author here gives us a good word picture of what is really being said.
Formerly God appeared in great signs and wonders that required us to be distant and struck people with terror. His blazing glory is more than we can stand and we stood unable to bare him.
Now we come to Mt. Zion. To the heavenly city of God. A city full of angels, the church, God, and His Son. A place where Jesus’ blood speaks louder than the call for justice and washes us clean.
We go from a reminder of guilt and separation from God to a home with God Himself and a righteousness from Jesus Himself. Things are definitely better than they could be.
Sure we could have things run along smoothly, God could just boom from a mountain and make flat the rocky path before us. He could. He chooses to bring us into His family and make our home with Him. That means walking each step along with Him so that we can draw closer to Him. Ultimately we have no need to fear anymore; we have an awesome Father now.
We have a major up coming after our downs…
From a parent’s point of view, I seriously hope I can provide the hope of fast coming and significant ups for my children. I want to teach them to look forward to the ups rather than dwell on the downs. God always shows Himself strong and makes us better in the process.
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