by Rev Daniel Yaw


Introduction
 
"But you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God."  (Heb 12 22)
 
When we think of mountains, we normally have a negative idea of them.  Mountain of problems, mountain of trials, mountain of testing, and mountains that must be removed.  While that is true, we realized that there is also a good mountain, a mountain of refuge that we can run to.
The book of Hebrews is about comparing the old and the new.  The greater in Christ and the lesser by the law.
Today, I am led to think of the placement God has put me in.  My joy indeed is not of this world, but to whom I belong and to where I am destined to go.  I know that we all go through times we wish we could avoid.  However, understanding where we are, who we belong to makes a difference.  The case of two mountains is a message as to which mountain I am on.
 
The Mount of Sinai
 
I thought of three characteristics of this mountain. 
 
It is a Temporary Place:  It is here on earth for the time when God would appear to Israel and bring to them the law.  It is only to prepare the people to embrace the salvation and grace of God.  It will fade away.  The law was to prepare their hearts to receive the coming Messiah, that with the realization of man’s sin, we come with a need for forgiveness only found in Jesus and his grace alone.  Likewise, many things that are promised in the future tell me that troubles here are only temporary.
 
 
It is a Terrifying Place:  Even Moses, the most "holy" of the lot, said that he trembled at that place.  It was a place that the people were fearful to hear from the holy God for fear that they would die.  It was not a pleasant place indeed.
 
It was a "Touch-me-not" Place:  The people will not go near that place.  It is unapproachable.  Even a beast, upon touching it, will be stoned.
Then there is the Mount of Zion
 
The Mount of Zion
 
Mount Zion is characterized differently in three ways as well as I thought about it.  There may be more but focussing on these three brings comfort and arouses faith.
 
The Gathering of the Angels - It is a festive place filled with joy, not fear.  It is a place of safety, not danger.  It is a place of celebration because of the goodness therein.  It is sheer GLORY!
 
The Gathering of Saints -  It is a gathering of the saints who were redeemed by God.  We who believed and by faith are His firstborn enrolled in heaven.  Our names are written in the book of life forever.  It is a note of GRACE!
 
Thus, the Grace of God ever present:  It is a place that reminds us that our security lies in the grace of God shown to us - the gift of God that is irrevocable.  Romans 11:29 says, "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."  The great news is that we belong to Mount Zion.  We are saved and welcome to this mount merely by the free grace of God and not by our works.
 
Conclusion
 
Let us then look at the right mountain.  Mount Sinai may come before your eyes often, but bring in Mount Zion that will last forever.  Let us walk faithfully with our God.