The Glorious Company

Hebrews 12:16–24
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In these few verses the writer encourages his readers to depend on the Lord as he urges them to look by faith in two directions:

1. Look back - Here we see the bad example of Esau (vv. 16-17). Esau was a person who lived for the world and not for God. He came in from the field hungry and sold his birthright to Jacob for a share of the food which he was preparing. He was more concerned about money than in his own birthright, and so he  sold it to Jacob. (Sound familiar in today’s world?)  He was a congenial sort of fellow, a good hunter, and a man who loved his father. He would  have  made a fine neighbor, but he had no time for God. The story of Esau shows us that mistakes and sins often have lasting consequences (Gen. 25:29-34). Even repentance and forgiveness does not always eliminate sin’s consequences. How often do we make decisions based on what we want now, rather than on what we need in the long run?
2. Look up - A contrast is made between the giving of the law at Mount Sinai and the blessings of the church in heavenly Mount Zion (vv. 18-24). Mount Sinai represents the Old Covenant of law while Mount Zion represents the New Covenant of grace.  What a contrast between how the people are terrified in their approach to God at Mount Sinai and their joyful approach at Mount Zion! What a difference Jesus makes!  Before Jesus came God often seemed threatening, but after He came and lived and died, the God who seemed very far and distant was brought near and the way opened to His presence.

Application

With the resources available to me through Christ there is no reason for me to fail. With all He has available to me, who can defeat me? I can’t depend on myself, but I can depend on Him.