Daily Devotional | A Better Word

In today’s world, some say that Christians and non-Christians are in a “culture war.” How should we live in a society that views us with suspicion and hostility? Hebrews 12:14 outlines a strategy. Christians must live carefully, making “every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” The secret to such a lifestyle is the grace of God. The author of Hebrews sees living Christianly as both evidence and an outgrowth of God’s grace in the believer’s life (vv. 15–17).

Verses 18–24 continue to make the case for the preeminence of Christ by contrasting the experience of those who first received the Law with those who come to God by faith in Christ. In verses 18–19, the author reiterates and expands a contrast drawn in Hebrews 2:2–4 to highlight the difference. Sinai, where the Law was given, was a place of fire, darkness, gloom, and storm. Even more terrifying than the sight of fire and sounds of trumpet and thunder were the words that God spoke. The people “could not bear what was commanded” (v. 20). The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear” (v. 21).

Mount Zion is another name for Jerusalem in the Old Testament. It was the place where God showed His presence and Israel worshiped. But verses 22–24 describe it as a spiritual location and a new relationship. It is “the city of the living God,” “the heavenly Jerusalem,” and “the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.” Those who come to Mount Zion through faith, also come to God, “to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” and “to Jesus.” He is “the mediator of a new covenant” that “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”