22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Hebrews 12:20-23

Explanation:

Here we see in view the second mountain, Mount Zion.  Where Mount Sinai is a physical mountain on the present earth, Mount Zion is the mount where God lives.  This is a description of heaven where God dwells.  These other descriptions that follow are synonyms: the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is an elevated city, and the new Jerusalem is being described this way.  It is where Christ is.  It is where God dwells.

Notice the words “the general assembly and church of the firstborn”.  Two words are used here that are very interesting.  “General Assembly” is the word “panegyris”, and the word church is “ekklesia” which means assembly.

The word panegyris is defined by Thayer as:

• 1) a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities
• 2) a public festal assembly

The idea is a gathering of all of the people from one family or nation, or description for a feast, a festival, or a party.  What is being described here is exactly what is happening and what will happen in the future.

Everyone who is saved is in Christ, and as they die and when God comes to bring back his people we will all be assembled as one body to enjoy this city of the living God and God Himself as co-heirs with Jesus Christ.  We will feast and fellowship on Mount Zion together!  The Old Testament saints, and the saints of the church age are all gathered together in Christ to enjoy eternity together!

Application:

We are not come unto Mount Sinai any longer.  We could not keep the ordinances given to us at Mount Sinai.  We are come to Mount Zion!  How?  Because of the gracious and merciful sacrifice and the invitation of Christ!

It makes me think of this verse in Matthew:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

Response:

I need to find rest in my Savior today, and not worry about all that needs to be done.  So much of what has to happen, He must do.  I need His help.