Confrontation with God Transformed into Relationship (Hebrews 12)
Confrontation with God Transformed into Relationship (Hebrews 12)
Atmosphere
The church that first received this epistle is facing persecution and difficulties. In this situation, people are torn between different attitudes.
Non-believers in the Church
Those who were on the verge of giving themselves to Christ ask themselves whether returning to Judaism might not be better. Would that bring back their former tranquility? Perhaps some have already done so?
Believers in Jesus in the Church
This questioning by those still deciding causes some disciples to waver in their confidence in Jesus.
There is no comparison—Jesus is much greater
In response to this situation, the author shows that Jesus is superior to everything foreshadowed in the Old Testament. Indeed, that period (which forms the foundation of Judaism) was preparatory and incomplete.
So aim only at Christ
This is why the author encourages both those who are yet to embrace Christ and those who have already done so to keep Jesus as their only focus. He is the goal, the example to follow, and He is the one who helps from beginning to end.
Stay focused
To pursue this ambition, here is some advice: let us get rid of everything that hinders and suffocates us, make no compromise with sin, and persevere. This is what we saw in the first part of chapter 12 of Hebrews.
The author drives the point home
The author continues to offer encouragement:
To do this, he includes many references to pivotal events in Hebrew history, as some were inclined to return to Judaism.
Let’s read: Hebrews 12:12-29
Be strong in Jesus
When we are overwhelmed with conflicting ideas, we often say “We are not in our element. »
The author uses a relatable image
An image that speaks to them
“Who is the most famous lame man in Hebrew history? » Jacob (after he struggled with God) (Genesis 32:25-33). It was at this moment that Jacob had a unique encounter with God and was renamed Israel.
Have a real encounter with God, too
The author of Hebrews desires that those who are uncertain may also have a true encounter with God through Jesus. This will help them stop wavering between Judaism and finally choose Jesus as their Savior. For those who are already believers, this will help them stop asking paralyzing, unnecessary questions.
Two search criteria
To have Jesus as your goal:
Seek peace
Grow in holiness
Only one way
It is an impossible mission without Jesus, but with Him, it is possible. For those who have already embraced Him, the goals remain the same:
Seek peace
Grow in holiness
Rather than questioning whether Judaism is “better,” focus on these goals.
Peace and holiness have one source: Jesus
Hebrews 12:14 As mentioned above, grace in Jesus gives access to these virtues. Only through Jesus can we live them out. Any other option is like a deadly virus that spreads and infects others.
Here again, the author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks to the historical consciousness of the Israelites.
Roots of bitterness
By referencing « roots of bitterness, » the author evokes the memory of the covenant renewal in Deuteronomy 29:18 and the Lord’s warning against those who, despite hearing God’s words and covenants, decide to continue without Him.
The same pattern
The same danger threatens those who have heard the gospel of salvation by grace in Jesus and are considering returning to Judaism. Such duplicity can set a bad example for others. In Deuteronomy 29:19 and following, the Lord is clear about His judgment on such attitudes.
More than thoughts—it’s about actions
The author warns that such thoughts will eventually manifest in actions.
What is eternal is abandoned for a temporary appetite
(Perhaps like the Israelites with the Moabites in Numbers 25:1-2? Immorality replaced devotion to God, leading to idolatry.)
Esau’s example
Esau: Choosing the temporary over the eternal Esau is described as a profane man because he traded what was eternal—his birthright—for a momentary satisfaction: a bowl of lentil stew.
Those who haven’t yet chosen Christ Similarly, those being addressed in this epistle are considering abandoning their faith in Christ to return to their former lives, free from rejection and difficulty. But is it worth trading the eternal for the temporary, just to fit in with the world?
Is life worth living if we must go against the current in our faith in Christ?
Beware of the consequences with God, so they don’t end up with regret like Esau.
The author draws a comparison between:
The earthly manifestation of God when the law was given to Moses, which terrified the people (Exodus 19-20)
The heavenly greatness connected with Christ (Hebrews 12:18-29)
Conclusion
A solemn invitation
The author again invites those who have not yet grasped Christ:
Three possible attitudes
Resistant
Perhaps you’ve attended church for years, enjoying the context and atmosphere, but haven’t committed to Christ. In this case, the Lord’s Supper is just a reminder that “God is a consuming fire,” and you remain condemned.
Duplicity
Worse yet, you partake in the Supper merely to « blend in » with others, without having a real connection with God through Jesus.
Worship and praise
Or, out of gratitude, love, and adoration, you take the Supper because Christ is your Savior and Lord.
For all
But what today’s text tells us is that God invites everyone to come to Christ.