MISSING THE GRACE OF GOD

MISSING THE GRACE OF GOD
Heb 12:14-29
"See to it that no one misses the grace of God…." (v.15).

IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Jesus pronounces his disciples blessed who are "pure in heart" and "peacemakers" (Matthew 5.8-9). Here the dual call is similarly made. We are first urged, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men…." But peace cannot be at the expenses of purity. So we are urged secondly to be holy (v.14).

To strive for peace and holiness is the whole purpose of sanctification. But there are dangers which we must watch out for and nip in the bud. Firstly, there is the danger of missing the grace of God (v.15). The warning has already been issued earlier against drifting (2.1-4) and falling away (6.4-8) from God's grace. Sin always makes its first appearance in an inconspicuous way. If it is left to grow, it soon destroys the entire community. The expression "bitter root" (v.15) is taken from Deuteronomy 29.18. There Moses warned the Israelites against turning to other gods. They were not to presume that since they were God's people they could sin and not be punished.

Such an attitude invariably leads us to take God's grace for granted. An example is Esau (see Genesis 25.29-34). He sold away the heritage promised by God to his family. It was his as the elder son but he failed to value it and traded it away. In the same way, we too can barter away our faith. We can become so preoccupied with our immediate needs and the incessant gratification of the senses that we sacrifice the long range and eternal.

To underline the seriousness of such a sin, the author contrasts the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, with the receiving of the gospel at Mount Zion with a "how much more" argument (see also 2.1-4). As Sinai was the rallying point of all the tribes of Israel, so Zion will be the gathering place of all the saints. The former was an event filled with fire and judgement, storm and terror, so much so that even Moses trembled with fear (v.21). How much more awesome would it be for us if we spurn the privileges God gives us in the gospel?

In this light, the second danger is sounded: "See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks." (v. 25). Again the "how much more" argument is used. Disobedience to the law is punished, how much more the rejection of the gospel! A criminal is condemned to die, but out of compassion, the President grants him a pardon. If he refuses the pardon, how much more certain is his execution! Let us not forget that "our God is a consuming fire" (v.29).

Am I taking for granted the grace of God?