Hebrews – “The focus becomes clear and sharp again: God’s action in Jesus. And we are free once more for the act of faith, the one human action in which we don’t get in the way but ON the Way.” –Eugene Peterson 

From Old Covenant to New Covenant 

The writer of Hebrews explains the new focus in Jesus Christ in words that are inexplicably simple to understand for a nation that is steeped with rigorous religious practice. God moves them from where they were to where He has always wanted them (and us) to be…in a true, authentic, unconditionally loving relationship with Him!

“Unlike your ancestors, you didn’t come to Mount Sinai–all that volcanic blaze and earth shaking rumble–to hear God speak. The earsplitting words and soul-shaking message terrified them and they begged him to stop. When they heard the words, ‘If an animal touches the Mountain, it’s as good as dead’–they were afraid to move. Even Moses was terrified.” Hebrews 12, Msg

“No, that’s not YOUR experience at all. You’ve come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. It is the city where God is Judge, with judgments that make us just. You’ve come to Jesus, who presents us with a new covenant, a fresh charter from God. He is the Mediator of this covenant. The murder of Jesus, unlike Abel’s–a homicide that cried out for vengeance–became a proclamation of grace.” Hebrews 12, Msg

“So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t’ get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time–he’s told us this quite plainly–he’ll also rock the heavens: ‘One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.’ The phrase ‘one last shaking’ means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.” Hebrews 12, Msg

“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom!”

“And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!” Hebrews 12, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, Cleanse me now of anything that offends You and Your unshakable Kingdom! I want to be On the Way, not in the way with religious junk. Do what You want in me so that our relationship remains pure and holy and always growing deeper, stronger and unshakable as we walk and talk together. Thank you, Jesus, my Lord and Savior. In Jesus Name, Amen