Old and New Testaments Meet

For you have not come to what has been touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words. (Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, for they could not bear what was commanded: 'and if even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned!' The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am terrified and tremble,')
Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels in festive gathering, to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to God who is the judge of all, to the Spirit of righteous people made perfect, to Jesus (mediator of a new covenant), and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel. Make sure you do not reject the One who speaks. Hebrews 12:18-25

The Old Testament, and in particular the exodus, was a terrifying experience. God's people got to know the parameters of God's holiness and it was exact and terrible. 

As a Christian I am called to know Jesus and all that He entails. His blood washes me and invites me in. My name is written in the Lamb's book of life but I am required to walk in faith towards Him.

The writer of Hebrews is a 'hell fire' preacher. He is warning the consequences of failing to walk in the new life I am given. He goes on to tell us: 'for if they did not escape when they rejected Him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from Him who warns from heaven. His voice shook the earth at that time, but now He has promised, 'yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.' (25,26)

God is a just and righteous God, yet failure to listen to Him and accept His offer carries a cost, eternal separation from Him.

In verse 28 the writer says: 'therefore since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.'

The writer is a true Hebrew, he understands the law and has great respect for it. Through these passages I am taken back to the books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. I can see the sacrifices and sense the fear. I am so grateful to be living under a New Covenant. Amen!


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