Shaken Not Stirred

The problem of suffering.

This is a major issue in our world. There is so much suffering. Just this past week I had conversations with different people and groups concerning suffering. The question/statement is something like this, “If God is good, they why do we suffer?”

We see the suffering of our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. We read/see the tragedies of Atlanta and others. Our hearts break, as they should. Let me just say this: racism of any kind is contrary to Scripture and is a sin which must be repented. There is no place for hate, slander, racism, sexism and the like for the follower of Jesus.

Suffering can lead to bitterness.

Our world is very bitter and cynical if you ask me. Yet, bitterness

Hebrews 12 provides an answer.

The truth is there is not just one answer to the problem of suffering, evil, tragedy and the like. This can be good news because we will experience suffering and tragedy differently in our lives. The book/sermon of Hebrews was given to a group of Christians experiencing hardships to try and encourage them to keep going. We may not find a deep theological treatise on the problem of suffering but we see a pastor’s heart for his people.

Jesus is our example.

This may seem obvious but we must be reminded of this truth. Verse 2b-3 thought part of last week’s message is relevant for this chapter. As are all of Hebrews.

We can endure suffering with joy.

This is what is said of Jesus and what is true of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit can be true of us! The question becomes, “But how…?”

This is no easy task. If it is not for being controlled by the Holy Spirit we will easily forget.

A tale of two mountains:

The speaker in remembering and helping his congregation remember God’s plan highlights a couple stories from the OT. Especially the tale of two mountains to help them understand what is going on around them.

Mt. Sinai was a mountain of fear and shame.

There was not a single person who did not shake in their boots when Mt. Sinai shook with the presence of God. This mountain gave the people a view of God that he was not to be approached. He was too great to have a personal relationship. Unfortunately, there are some believers who are the same way. They want their pastors, teachers, parents, etc. to be the one who “gives them God’s Word” so they don’t have to come into close contact with the God of Scripture.

Mt. Zion is the mountain of joy and parties.

See the difference between the two. As we are submersed into the imagery of the two mountains the decision should be crystal clear. Notice some truths here: thousands up thousands of angels, the church of those whose names are in heaven (believers), God the judge, our mediator and perfect example Jesus.

Which mountain are you on?

This is a question I must ask every day. Which mountain are we inviting people to? Do people see the church as what is described here? Do people run the other way when they see me coming because they are afraid I will condemn them?

God’s shaking is to reveal.

The next shaking of God is not to destroy but to reveal what is truly left. One of my goals in life is that at the end of my time on earth when God shakes me for the final time and reveals what is left I actually have something to present him. I don’t want to be left empty handed when I meet my savior face to face.

God’s fire is to refine.

God is a consuming or devouring fire. However, once again it is not to destroy but to purify.

We are to be persistent.

This is the point of Hebrews and especially the idea of verses 12-13.

We are to be people of peace.

This means peacemaking not peace keeping. It means we do not spread conspiracy theories but test all things.

We give grace.

By how we live towards others and by pointing them to the right mountain. Bitterness is strong but the grace of God is stronger yet.

We live different.

This is the idea of holiness. Sin is not acceptable for the people of God. Those who do not know Jesus do not have the power to overcome sins but we are not like that. We should be holy people in a unholy world.

We do it withJOY!!!!!

You can do most of the traits above and still be miserable. If that is you and me as Christians we are on the wrong mountain.