A Mountain of Joy

Introduction

Hebrews 12 is a powerful culmination for the argument of faith in the midst of trials and tribulations of Christians. The Hebrews were up under actual and anticipated persecution because of their Christian faith. Their family, friends, church family, and even the society at large were upset that they had left the comfortable and accepted Jewish faith for Christ. Their fear had driven them to no longer assemble and look for ways to turn back to Judaism.

The persecution had gotten to the point that they looked at the persecution as something of evil rather than good.

They looked at the suffering they were going through as punishment as if God was not with them.

The suffering and persecution had caused them to look more at their personal perseverance than the sacrifice that Christ made for the joy that was set before him.

The Hebrew writer wanted them to refocus, continue to assemble, continue in their faith, and realize that their trials and tribulation were actually allowed by God for their faith to shine through. The perseverance of their faith in the midst of trials and tribulations was actually a role call and reminder of where they had come from, what they had come to, and the reward for doing so. The Hebrew writer wanted to remind them they had come to the Mountain of Joy!

From Sinai’s Law