Thursday 05 February 2009

Background

Mountains have a very important place in the history of the OldTestament. It is on mountain tops that God meets those exceptionaland privileged few who are called into God's presence.

In verses 18-29, the focus is Mount Sinai. This was a placeassociated with the children of Israel (the Israelites) during thetime of their wanderings in the wilderness. It was here that theirleader, Moses, had a very profound experience of God (eg Exodus 19:1-20).The references to fire, darkness and tempest would all have beenunderstood by the Hebrews as signifying that God was around.Because of God's presence, this was a holy place. As such, even ananimal touching the mountain would die. For everyone other thanMoses this place was to be feared. God was to be feared. The writerof the letter chooses to write in this dramatic way for goodreason. The aim is to underline the very negative world whichexisted prior to Jesus' coming to earth.

With verses 22-24 the location changes. The reference now is toMount Zion and the experience of the readers themselves. Incontrast to the exclusive nature of Sinai, all are invited to MountZion. The difference is a much more open, welcoming atmosphere.Jesus is the one who makes the difference and bridges the gapbetween God and humanity.

To a people facing a difficult time these words were intended asencouragement. The idea is something like this: 'You have come sofar. Things may not be going well at present. But hold on. Rememberthe blessings which lie ahead.'

To Ponder

Can you think of places where you have feltespecially close to God? Where are they and why do you think thiswas?

How can we help people who are facing difficulttimes?