Hebrews 12;14-29  Having given us many examples of men who walked in faith.. the writer gives us a warning. "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. "  Holiness.. consecration or sanctification.. a pure heart set apart for God and peace with our fellow men.  These are needed along this way set before us.. if these are missing, then we need to re-examine our path.  Is there a "bitter root" growing up in us?  Is there sin that we need to repent of? 

Are we like Esau.. letting our desires for what we want "right now".. entangle us so that we miss out on the blessing that lies ahead?

We are once more reminded that we have come to a "greater" covenant.. a greater promise.. 

The Israelites were so afraid when they heard God's voice... and the burning fire, darkness, and storm on the mountain.. that they told Moses to go alone. They had no doubt that God is a "consuming fire"!  

Yet, we come.. through Jesus Christ.. even closer to our God than Moses.. "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 spirit 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. " 

How much more should we tremble before Him?

Oh may we "not refuse him who speaks"! He shook the earth.. and will once again shake it "but also the heavens". All that we know.. this creation.. will pass away one day.. and the only thing that will remain is the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.. the Kingdom of God.  So.. "let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." 

Father in heaven, we come before You in reverence and awe, for You are Mighty and Awesome, Holy and Omnipotent. We come with thankful hearts, for You have spoken to us and shown us mercy. By grace You have brought us to faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. We belong to the Kingdom that will not be shaken!  We have been granted access to Your Holy Presence.. this is too marvelous for words.. far beyond our comprehension.. yet true according to Your Word and Your Spirit. We praise You and bless Your Name as we bow before You in worship and thanksgiving. Amen.