kip Heitzig brought out the verses in Hebrews Chapter 12 in his message on Exodus 19 - 40. I thought it was so good, worth bringing out again.

Let’s take a look at Mount Sinai versus Mount Zion. The difference between the law and the cross. The difference between a feared God at a distance and the promise of the gentle Holy Spirit living in us.

“You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.” No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.”Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬-‭22‬

After reading, or listening, to the book of Exodus, we have a fresh revelation of truly how fearful the Israelites were of God. We can appreciate this promise in a fresh way. They did not even want to talk to him out of fear, but now we can approach God. And with boldness. Because we have faith in the One who calls us to Zion.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭

The way to Zion? To where God’s presence is? It’s Jesus. It’s the cross. But how? How do we get there.

It’s a cry of the heart.

All that can be shaken off, should be shaken off for our benefit. All that remains is pure gold.

Lay down every burden.

Surrender our heart, will, mind.

“When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.”Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭

There are many differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, but one thing remains the same. Our God is fire. We worship Him because He is holy, He loves us and He wants to consume all of us.

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬-‭29‬