Given all the things that have happened over the last several chapters (the bad report from the spies, Nadab and Abihu, Korah’s rebellion), it’s understandable why Israel had some trepidation with approaching the tabernacle. Instead of seeing it as a place of communion with God, they saw it as a place of judgment and death.
That’s not the way it should be. God designed the Tabernacle specifically so that He could be among His people and not destroy them (Exodus 25:8). It just so happens that the meeting place between God and man sometimes comes with judgment attached. That’s the nature of the relationship.
But Israel’s outcry in Numbers 17:13-14 mirrors what a lot of people today feel. They do a cursory read-through on the Bible, see all the times that God judges people, and think that Jehovah is nothing more than a God of wrath, fire, and violence.
Because of that, they don’t come to church. Ever.
Let’s pause the Bible blogging project that we’re on here and dive into that, because I think that fact is worth a little more discussion. Why are people scared to go to worship services? Is it because they think they’ll be judged—even by us? Is it because they don’t like confrontation and therefore want to stay away from conflict with God?
At a base level, what we all need to understand is that no one will ever escape the final judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Any idea that we can avoid that by not stepping foot in a church building is missing the point entirely. Everyone—everyone—needs to know that the day will come when they will eventually stand before God.
Interestingly enough though, God doesn’t shy away from this type of intimidating presence. In a world where reputation management is a $7 billion industry, God doesn’t try to tone it down. Instead, he reiterates His majesty as being powerful while emphasizing that His power will be to the benefit of His people.
That’s the point in Hebrews. After pointing out the power of God in Hebrews 10:26-39 as it deals with judgment, he cycles back around in Hebrews 12:18-24 to show that we should get closer to that power—because His power is what makes His promise unshakeable. Zion is better than Sinai, because it’s eternal.
Jumping back to Hebrews 10:22, he says we should “draw near” to that mountain. Embrace that promise. Hold on to it tight.
The same power that terrified the Israelites is what should give us the most confidence. God consumes His adversaries, to be sure. But that just shows more and more why we should be on His side.