For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire… But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God…! (From Hebrews 12:18-24)
The Letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of discouraged Christians who had converted from Judaism to Christianity only to discover that a relationship with God was harder than a rulebook, bringing on persecution from both rulebook followers and pagans—all resenting the marked difference a real relationship with God makes. These discouraged believers were contemplating a return to Judaism, to that old-time religion…
The Word, through the writer of Hebrews, was reminding these Hebrew believers in Jeshua that there is a stark difference between the Old Covenant of Law and the New Covenant of Relationship. Mount Sinai—the Law—brought unholy fear and separation; the New—Mount Zion—brings overwhelming blessing and peace through the Blood of Jesus!
These exhausted Hebrews needed a reminder that fear and separation through the Law may be simpler, but it sure isn’t better…!
They needed to know, as we do, that a Relationship with the Lord takes more time and causes more resistance (both from our own flesh and the world of fallen flesh around us) than a neat religious life built on following precepts and rules and crowds. This “Christian” religiosity more resembles the Old Covenant than the New, and results in fear and separation from God rather than a joyful walk with Him…!
Yet many—maybe most—in our culture seem to prefer a Fire on the Mountain to a Fire within the Heart. Many prefer a neat, sterile, controllable, predictable, defendable, dependable outward show to a powerful, uncontrollable, unpredictable, wholy dependable but never manageable inward Relationship burning away dead flesh and igniting new life…
Hopefully, we all realize that a living vibrant relationship with Father, Son and Spirit is the only Fire we want or need. Sinai may be a flashier show, stirring emotions and encouraging distance and disconnect; but Zion, the City of the living God, the home of the true Church and the Heavenly Jerusalem is the only destination for those who desire a Fire of transformation rather than a fire of separation…!
Easier and trendier and predictable are not better—not when it comes to walking with the Living God. No one—two thousand years ago or now—would argue that genuine faith is simpler and easier than just going through the motions. But it is the only place that is eternal—the only Home for those who long for a Fire within rather than a performance without…!
P.S. – Want Real Fire? Sign up for the Fire School today! Visit the Livingston First Church Website and register today!!