“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering…”

See the contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. One is betrayed with thunder and fire, danger, and fear. The other is surrounded by festive angels. Like the rest of the book, this is all about the difference between finding God in the law and finding God in Christ. The recipients of this letter were leaning towards keeping some or all of their Jewish past, especially the law. The book of Hebrews is written to show the foolishness of such a choice.

The city of God, also known as the heavenly Jerusalem is not on an earthly mountain in Palestine but in the domain of God who does not live on the earth. Since God has set up a Jerusalem in heaven why do so many people look forward to living in one on the earth? It makes no sense. If God’s ultimate goal was reestablishing His rule in earthly Jerusalem why is the author of Hebrews touting the city of God as being in heaven? Jesus rules in heaven. He has no interest in a physical earthly reign. He put on a heavenly body when he ascended. He is at the right hand of God ruling over the heavenly Jerusalem. If you are looking for a city in Palestine you are looking in the wrong place. Check out Abraham on that one.

Task for Today: Set your eyes on Mount Zion and the heavenly city. Look forward to a reception with festive angels in the spiritual home of God and His son, Jesus. Don’t lay up treasures on this earth. They will perish. Jerusalem, Palestine, and the city where you live will be destroyed and consumed on the last day. Seek citizenship in the heavenly Jerusalem.