Exploring the Scripture
The verses just before today’s passage speak of Esau, who sold his birthright (inheritance) for a bowl of soup because he returned from work hungry. Today’s lection begins by saying Christ’s disciples are not dealing with something tangible, like soup, but spiritual realities.
The author is taking them on a pilgrimage with two possible destinations. Do they wish to return to Mount Sinai, where the law was given to Moses? Or to the cross of Christ on Mount Zion (Jerusalem)? The choice is not as easy as it might appear, with a God of fire waiting at both mountains.
Although “fear” in the Hebrew scriptures often refers to awe and reverence, the language of Hebrews shows the presence of God is dangerous. At Mount Sinai, fire, darkness, smoke, and lightning made the mountain terrifying. The people were warned not to touch the holy mountain, or they would be killed. Even Moses was frightened.
Christians approach God’s heavenly reign, the New Jerusalem, and at first, this appears an easy choice. In this Holy City, angels, saints, and martyrs gather with God and Christ. But even here, at the “festal gathering,” God is the great Judge, and Jesus is crucified to bring about the new covenant. The writer presents old Hebrew beliefs as inadequate compared to Christian beliefs, but also shows the God of the Hebrew covenant is the God of the new covenant.
Hebrews insists the holy blood of Christ “speaks a better word” (v. 24) than Abel’s human blood that flowed when his brother, Cain, murdered him. God forgave Cain, but that forgiveness can’t compare to the grace and forgiveness that resulted from Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. God remains God: judging, forgiving, loving, and terrifyingly powerful. And the word of warning comes next.
The author warns his hearers not to dismiss the voice of God, speaking from heaven with more power and insistence than even the voice at Mount Sinai. He cites a passage from Haggai 2:6. The prophet Haggai encouraged the people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem and purify their lives after they returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. If they succeeded, God’s voice would shake the heavens and Earth and bring all nations to Jerusalem. The writer of Hebrews reminds the Christians of this promise, but the stakes are higher. God will shake the heavens and Earth so much that all created things will be removed. Only those spiritual things that cannot be shaken will remain. Does that include Christians?
The author affirms that Jesus’s faithful followers will enter God’s peaceable reign. Therefore, they should praise and worship God “with reverence and awe (fear)” (v. 28). Whether, on Mount Sinai or Mount Zion, God is a consuming fire. You cannot have only half a fire. Like a flame, God is all or nothing. Discipleship, too, cannot be half-measures, but must be full dedication and commitment to the new covenant of grace.
Fire purifies. God’s holy fire burns away all the selfishness and separation within people, allowing room for God’s love to live and grow. Only love is permanent. All created things will pass away, but love will endure to the end.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Hebrews invites disciples on a pilgrimage to the past (Mount Sinai) or the future (Mount Zion).
- The God of the Hebrew covenant and the God of the new covenant are the same: judging, forgiving, loving, and terrifyingly powerful.
- God is a consuming fire that purifies and makes us holy by removing our selfish natures.
- All created things will pass away, but love will endure to the end.
Questions to Consider
- How do you reconcile a loving and forgiving God with one who shakes heaven and Earth, destroying all created things?
- When have you experienced God’s anger? When have you experienced God’s, unconditional love?
- What role does worship play today in our pilgrimage toward an uncertain future that may include festive gatherings and purifying fire?
- What modern images and symbols would you use to share the truths about our life journey as a disciple?