Hebrews 12:18-21

Summary retelling of Hebrews 12:18-21

In this passage, the author of Hebrews compares the present age to the time when the Law was originally given on Mt Sinai.  At that time there was fire and darkness and gloom and a huge storm.  There was a loud trumpet blast and the voice of God that made the people cry out that they couldn’t endue any more.  They not only couldn’t endure the Law, they couldn’t endure even the giving of the Law!  The giving of the Law was so terrifying that even Moses himself was visibly afraid.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

First of all, look up Exodus 19:12-13, Deuteronomy 4:11, Deuteronomy 5:23-27, and Deuteronomy 9:19.

How do each of these verses compare to the author’s retelling of the story?  How do the similarities between these passages tell us that we really do need to know God’s Word?

Second Thought:

This passage tells us that our initial human reaction to being near God should be one of fear.  He is almighty.  He is the creator.  He is perfect in every way.  There is nothing that we can do that can even approach His greatness.  There is no reason for us to think that we should be able to approach Him in any way shape or form.  {I know, this isn’t the end of the story.  But deal with it for today.}

Why shouldn’t we be able to approach God?  What really gets in our way?

Third Thought:

We are told something pretty cool here.  Not only can humanity not keep the Law, we can’t even tolerate the seriousness involved in the giving of the Law.  It’s like a parent who is trying to teach a child and the child doesn’t care.  Or perhaps it’s like a Sunday School teacher trying to teach a Sunday School class and the class doesn’t have any interest at all.  That’s how we are all the time with God.  He tries to tell us how to live appropriately but we just don’t care enough to get it.  {Again, I know this isn’t the end of the story.  You’ll just have to wait.}

In what ways to you tell God that you really don’t care?  In what ways do you tell God that you just aren’t capable on your own to grasp what He wants you to grasp?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 12:22-24