I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 12:18-29 - the author pivots from the theme of enduring hardship as discipline from God to a description of the eternal kingdom of Jesus that cannot be shaken. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv18-24: Jesus’ kingdom is contrasted with the presence of God on Mount Sinai where only Moses could ascend the mountain to speak with God, and no one could touch the mountain lest they die. Jesus’ kingdom is alive and in the “heavenly Jerusalem” with the Father (sitting at the Father’s right hand) where God is “judge of all,” and where believers are glorified and “made perfect.” Believers are also now brought to Jesus who is the author of a new and better covenant than the one offered at Mount Sinai. Vv25-27: Those who encounter Jesus and His new kingdom are encouraged to not refuse or deny Him, because we will not escape being shaken and eternally condemned. Vv27-28: Those who do accept and surrender to Jesus are encouraged to be grateful that we belong to a kingdom that will remain after all else passes away and only the New Jerusalem exists.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv28-29: Believers proper response to belonging to such an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken is to “offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” See also Romans 12:1 where Paul defines believers’ offering of their bodies and lives as “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, [as our] spiritual worship.”
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid refusing or denying Jesus and as a result being shaken to the point where you will not remain and instead be eternally condemned. Claim the promise that if you accept and surrender to Jesus, you belong to an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. Confess your sin, repent, believe, and remain (abide) in Him.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and whose kingdom cannot be shaken and You are my rock! Thank You for how You love, save and never change - giving me peace and rest that I can never be separated from Your love. I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
