Good Morning!
Can you believe we’re already to the end of this session of bible study? I’m so thankful for your participation in this study. If you’re new to this site or if you’ve missed a few sessions, I will have all of the posts pertaining to Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus by Lisa Harper archived under the Bible Studies Archive tab at the top of the home page.
Our text for Week 6 was Hebrews 12:18-24. In this passage, the author encourages those persecuted, struggling Christians by contrasting the Old and New Covenants. He reminds them that Moses was the mediator of the Old Covenant given to him by God on Mount Sinai. That mountain could not be touched or approached for fear of being struck down. Instead, these Christians (and all who believe) will come to a mountain that can be touched.
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. 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 men, to the spirits of righteous men 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.” Hebrews 12:22-24
The author goes on to say, “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.” (Hebrews 12:25) He was warning them not to shrink back, not to turn their backs on Jesus because of their persecution and suffering, not to fall away because life had become extremely difficult; but to hold fast, stand firm and fix their eyes upon Jesus. Precious Jesus, who redeemed their lives and ours with His blood and who mediated a New Covenant that gives an eternal inheritance and the Spirit.
Our lessons this week focused on how Jesus, our Savior, can repair and heal what seems broken beyond repair. We considered five aspects of our relationship with God and how the certainty of His love empowers us to face difficult challenges in our lives. The aspects we considered were fear, confidence, discipline, anticipation and freedom and how they motivate or impact us. Looking back at the author’s overall message to the Hebrews, we reflected on several key questions and evaluated how we are challenged in our faith to remain faithful, particularly during difficult times.
In closing,
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20,21
Well done! How did you enjoy Lisa Harper’s Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus? I’d love to know.
Blessings to you,
Mimi
