“For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear. Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:18-24‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Today I want us to focus on thanksgiving and gratitude. The letter to the Hebrews is unambiguous and concise about a Christian lifestyle and faith. Altogether it is a harsh-sounding life, which would appeal to nobody. But, this wonderful Scripture reminder helps us focus our minds on thanksgiving, which enables us to endure all things. The author reminds us of the experience of the Hebrew people in Exodus 19-21 (if you are not familiar with this portion of scripture, I recommend you take the time to go and read these chapters before continuing), and he brings to mind the truth about the presence of God. When God showed a portion of His reality, it made Moses tremble; the man who was considered His friend, who saw God face to face, also trembled before the presence of the Almighty God. The reality of God and His holiness and perfection is terrifying when you compare it to our imperfect and useless nature. Without a mediator, the human body can not be around God and people will naturally tremble and run away from the actual presence of God. God in His manifest fullness makes people run away in fear (this is why in the end times when He comes again, the world will be trembling in fear, trying to hide from Him).

But for us, who have decided to walk the narrow path of holiness and endure the walk of faith the author teaches us, we do not experience that wrath of God. No, instead, we get to face the beauty of God’s final creation, a perfect city which is in the state of a festive and joyful gathering filled with people who were righteous and made perfect. We get to meet Jesus our Lord and Saviour, where we hear His blood crying out, “innocent, the price has been paid, their sins have been atoned, they have been washed clean!!” (unlike Abel’s blood which cried out for justice for his unrighteous murder). This is why we can endure all things because we are thankful for what we (in faith) believe we will receive when we die compared to what we think will be experienced by those who do not endure the narrow path.

Today, reflect on the glory of God that you will get to experience when you choose to walk on the narrow path. Take time to worship God for the salvation He has offered you. It is because of this salvation that is provided that you can endure the walk of faith. Let thankfulness and gratitude flow from your heart and pour out of your mouth as you understand that the wrath of God will never touch you if you choose to follow Jesus.