WHERE WE HAVE COME

'For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word should be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned." And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I am full of fear and trembling." But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to th esprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel" (Hebrews 12:18-24, NASB )

Devotion 4 of 13 WHERE WE HAVE COME

We have come to the place of blessing! It is not a fearful or intimidating location! In Christ Jesus we have come to a position of ultimate benefit! The environment itself contributes to "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 14:17). Here we are blessed with "all spiritual blessings" (Eph 1:3). This is the realm of "breadth, and length, and depth, and height" (Eph 3:18), where minds are challenged and hearts are enlarged. Notice, this is the place we "ARE come." It is not a goal, but something realized in the "here and now." We will find the place where "we ARE come" conducive to spiritual growth and stability. It is pleasant to the soul because it is a very real spiritual experience. By "spiritual experience" I mean something realized in the unseen part of our nature, and by faith. The desire of the Lord is for us to be informed about where "we ARE come" Also, we CANNOT expect the blessing of the Lord if we do not abide where faith brings us. We CAN receive unparalleled blessing in the place appointed for believers! But if we do not remain there, we will not realize these blessings.

MOUNT ZION

We are come to the mount typified by all other mounts of blessing. Mount Seir, Mount Gilead, the Mount of God (Sinai), Mount Horeb, Mount Hor, Mount Hermon, Mount Gerizim--the place of blessing, Mount Nebo, Mount Carmel, the Mount of Olives--All of these mounts will be removed at the coming of the Lord. "Mount Zion," however, shall remain, for it belongs to another order--a "kingdom that cannot be shaken" (Heb 12:27). This is the promised place of blessing. Joel wrote of this glorious mount. "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call" (Joel 2:32). Calling upon the name of the Lord! Deliverance from all that oppresses! A remnant reserved for the Lord! And it is all associated with "Mount Zion." Obadiah also spoke of this place of spiritual elevation. "But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions" (Obadiah 1:17). A place of impeccable holiness, where the people of God take hold of the benefits to which they have been appointed! The prophet Micah also foretold this place of benefit. "And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever" (Micah 4:7). Acceptance, strength, and immediate association with the Lord Himself! That is something of what is involved in "Mount Zion," the place to which "we ARE come." PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank and praise You for the place You have brought me in Christ Jesus! I know I am personally undeserving of such grace, but rejoice that You have made me worthy in Your Son. In His Name, I ask You to help me see more of what You have provided on Mount Sion.

-- TOMORROW: THE CITY OF THE LIVING GOD --