Daily Devotions – Christ the Firstborn – Holy Presence

Daily Devotions – Christ the Firstborn – Holy Presence

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Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Hebrews 12:18-24 (NIV)
The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy
18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

Christ the Firstborn
What are the benefits bestowed on those related to the firstborn in the following passages?

 

In the Old Testament, people were able to meet Your Holy presence on Mount Zion. Today, I can worship anywhere to experience Your presence because of what Jesus did on the cross. Every time I worship, it is amazing to know that I am surrounded by thousands of angels doing the same.  My songs of praise and worship are joined with believers from across the earth and with those who are already in heaven. Now that is one Holy Choir! How cool is that? And You are always present to accept our worship!  You have made it possible for us to come to You with joyful worship instead of fear and trembling because You conquered sin and death on the cross. Thank You that You have made Yourself reachable. Help me not to take that privilege lightly. Allow me to come to You with a humble heart, thankful for Your mercy and grace, while filled with a deep reverence for You as I worship You with abundant joy. Amen.