Hebrews 12:22-24 ” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God”.
The previous verses were discussed the other day dealt with stage one of God’s reconciliation of His people, the first covenant. It bridged the gap. However, it was very cumbersome. When Jesus showed up much later in history, He was truly good news. The above passages show the contrast. Instead of coming to Mt. Sinai, it’s Mt. Zion. The first produced dread. It illustrated what it’s like when someone who is unclean is in the presence of a holy God. They weren’t in His full presence, as God said no one can be there and live, Exodus 33:20. They were in the outer realm. But because they were still in their sin, it was unbearable. Mt Zion has a different. The issue of sin has been dealt with. Heb 4:16 tells us that we can boldly draw near to the throne of grace. There is no fear and trembling. Mt Zion is the city of the living God. Life emanates from it, because it’s where God is. Barnes in his commentary says, “He is the source or the fountain of both natural and spiritual life.” Life is an attribute of God.” Hollywood depicts this as His presence causes plant, insect and animal life just sprout up all around Him. I don’t think it’s uncontrolled, but it’s indicative of His power. Spiritually, I would say the point is that all the dark affects of sin aren’t present with God. As we enter His presence, His life floods us with the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”. Gal 5:22,23. All of this is possible, because of Jesus’ death. It brought about the new covenant. It’s as if the fellowship in the Garden has been restored. Our spirits are new, alive and free. However, we are weighed down by these bodies which aren’t suited for God or heaven. We now have two natures, that of body and our regenerated one. To enjoy life as God’s child, living in Zion, we are to feed the new nature. This is done by prayer, the bible, christian fellowship, service and evangelism. Our old natures wants it’s attention. If we are self focused, the results are the works of the flesh: immorality, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, envying, drunkenness (Gal 5:19). We are to make that daily choice to live in Zion. Choose life. While it is work to deny things of this world, they only lead to grief. Lord, thank You for the new citizenship. Help us to live accordingly.