The writer of Hebrews describes two different journeys that God’s people have undertaken. One journey was from the house of slavery in Egypt to Mount Sinai. The Israelites were overwhelmed by the fiery mountain, storms, darkness, and most of all the awe-inspiring voice of God. This is an overwhelming journey, indeed!

The other journey of God’s people leads first to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, and ultimately to the heavenly Jerusalem, the collections of angels, the saints in heaven, God the divine judge, and Jesus. This is an even more overwhelming destination on a journey with God.

The writer of Hebrews preferred the latter journey. But the truth is that God has been bringing people on journeys to God’s self in different ways throughout scripture and throughout time. Only a chapter earlier in Hebrews, we heard about those heroes whose faith led them to travel and wander, conquer and retreat, flourish and suffer.

If the wisdom, love, and grace of God bring some to mountains of storm, fire, and divine voice, we say, ”Amen, praise God!” And if the wisdom, love, and grace of God bring others to mountains of communion with angels, the church triumphant in heaven, with Jesus and God, we say, ”Amen, praise God!” Either way, it is to the same God that we journey. And it is the one true God that sent the beloved Son to rescue us all from the powers of sin and death, freeing us for whatever journey God calls us to undertake.