A warning against refusing God - O se lapata’iga i ē teena le Atua

Scripture Focus: Eperu 12:14-29

Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”; and so fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don’t refuse him who speaks. For if they didn’t escape when they refused him who warned on the earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more”, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
- Hebrews 12:14-29 (WEB)

Study:

This passage from Hebrews urges believers to live in peace and holiness, emphasizing the seriousness of turning away from God's grace. It warns against allowing bitterness and immorality to defile the community, using the example of Esau who traded his birthright for a momentary pleasure and later found no opportunity for repentance. The author contrasts the terrifying experience at Mount Sinai with the hopeful and powerful reality of coming to Mount Zion — the heavenly Jerusalem, where Jesus mediates a new covenant. The strongest admonition is to not refuse the voice of God, because just as those who rejected God's earthly warnings did not escape judgment, so will those who reject His heavenly call face consequences. God’s kingdom cannot be shaken and demands reverence as He is a consuming fire.

Application:

Today, this scripture reminds us to pursue peace and holiness actively in our daily lives, avoiding bitterness and sinful behaviors that separate us from God and others. It calls us to hear and respond to God’s voice with seriousness and reverence, recognizing that His warnings are for our good and protection. We are invited to live under an unshakable kingdom through grace, serving God with awe. This passage challenges us not to take lightly God's persistent call and the consequences of refusing Him, urging us toward repentance and faithful obedience in a world that often distractions and temptations abound.

Reflection Questions:

• Am I actively seeking peace and sanctification in my relationships and spiritual life?
• Are there roots of bitterness or any sinful habits that I need to confess and uproot?
• How do I respond when God’s voice calls me to repentance or change?
• Do I reverence God as a consuming fire, recognizing His holiness and justice?
• What does it mean for me to live under an unshakable kingdom today?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to listen to Your voice and not refuse Your call. Teach me to pursue peace and holiness with diligence, uprooting bitterness and sin from my life. Strengthen my faith to serve You with reverence and awe, trusting in Your unshakable kingdom. May I always remember Your grace and respond with obedience and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: Hebrews 12, sanctification, peace, grace, Esau, birthright, God’s kingdom, reverence, holiness, Christian living, warning against refusal, New Covenant, Mount Zion, spiritual reflection