Touching Heaven
How can we take care of our mental health in times of crisis? The Christians who first heard the letter to the Hebrews were struggling with that and were being tempted to choose the Old Covenant of Moses over the New Covenant secured by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Son of God. The Old Covenant was fading fast and even the Temple was about to be destroyed. We are in a similar position. We are tempted to choose a Covenant with the world, which is fading fast, over the same New Covenant of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant may have be more tangible, but through it God was less accessible. The world is the same. The New Covenant may not be realised with by our senses right now, but it is every bit as real, and makes God completely accessible to all who believe, now and forever. This is the foundation for the Christian’s mental health and fortitude.
Scripture
Hebrews 12:18-24 ESV For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest [19] and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. [20] For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” [21] Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” [22] 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, [23] and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, [24] and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Bible Study Questions
The Nation of Israel received the Old Covenant at Mount Sinai. With which of their senses did they experience the presence of God? Hebrews 12:18-19
The Israelites were unable to have close intimate contact with God through the Old Covenant but had to rely on a mediator. Who was the mediator, and how was his reaction similar to the Israelites? Hebrews 12:20-21
The Jewish Christians who were tempted to fall back to the Old Covenant are shown how different the New Covenant is. The New Covenant is from a place that cannot now be appreciated by the senses but is every bit as real. Where is this Covenant from? Hebrews 12:22
Who is in part of the New Covenant Community of the Heavenly City? Hebrews 12:22-24
Who is the mediator of the New Covenant, how is He different from Moses? Hebrews 12:24
What did the blood of Abel cry out for, which was delivered by the Old Covenant? Genesis 4:10, John 1:17-18
What does the blood of Jesus proclaim, which is delivered by the New Covenant? Ephesians 1:7-8, Hebrews 9:14
Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven, Thank You that You have revealed Yourself to us. Father, we need Your strength and encouragement as we serve You in a world that increasingly turns it’s back on You. Please keep us from the temptation to do the same. Please expose the lies that promise health, peace and freedom but lead to separation from You and Your people. Please build up Your Church to draw in more and more people so that they can know stand firm in faith, grow in hope and shine Your amazing love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Service
We need to look around us and be aware of the many people who are struggling to cope right now. Ask God to show you who to pray for and who you can draw near to with simple acts of love and care. It may be that an act of compassion, even to someone who is treating us poorly, could open a door for them to come to know our Lord Jesus Christ. We have to hold onto the hope that comes from our faith in Him and then share that hope in love.