We Have Come to Mount Zion, The City of the Living God!

 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,  to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,  to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Heb.12:22-24

Good morning dear friends, What a pleasant time to be alive, for we still witness the goodness and the mercy of God, even in tough times like these. It’s a beautiful sunshine morning in the city of Durban. I trust you are having a blessed weekend and are looking forward to a perfect week ahead.

This morning calls us to come into the presence of God without fear, guilt, and condemnation. We are in a new covenant of grace, sealed with the blood of Christ, which speaks peace, life in abundance, and the goodness of God.

When we study Hebrews chapter 12, we learn that they were not allowed to come near the presence of God in the old covenant. When God invited them to Mount Sinai, the instructions were for the people to keep a safe distance from the mountain; even animals were not supposed to come near; if any of them came close, the command was to stone them to death. The experience at Mount Sinai was devastating for the people; even the prophet Moses felt so much fear.

The new covenant invites us to come running into the presence of God, to lay aside every sin that easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that has been set before us, looking to Jesus, who is truly the Author and the Perfector of our faith. This chapter teaches us to come and learn from the Lord Jesus because He ran His race; though it was the most challenging race, He ran and finished it.

As we share in the sufferings of Christ, continuing to run with endurance; there is a reminder that we are not alone; we have the veterans cheering us, the help of ministering spirits, our Lord Jesus Christ is mediating, and continually makes intercession for us. Therefore we cannot afford to give up now, but keep our eyes focused on Jesus.

The mountain that God has invited us in is not the same as Mount Sinai. In the new covenant represented by Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, God has justified us and made us righteous; we are sanctified; we are made holy. We were once not a people, but now a people of God. We were once without mercy, but directly have obtained mercy, Pet.2:9-10,

We have received an unshakable kingdom, and there is an invitation to have grace and serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. So, come boldly this morning to Mount Zion, receive strength, continue to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need. May you continue to run with endurance and finish strong!

God bless you for reading; I trust this message inspired you to continue living and serving the Lord Jesus. He is with you, and He is helping you with whatever needs you have. Only believe. Amen.

 But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. He did this so that you would broadcast his glorious wonders throughout the world. For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it!

1 Peter 2:9-10