Scene: In a valley

Laura Digan August 28, 2025 4 2

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Hebrews 12: 18-29 (NIVUK)

8 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.’ 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I am trembling with fear.’

22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ 27 The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’

A group of hillwalkers in a valley between two mountains craning their necks upwards

Johnny was a guide, paid to help the tourists scale the mountain, to reach the summit. 

As they all looked up at the mountains he heard a couple of climbers in his group comment on how many mountains they had climbed, the heights of the summits, the ease of the climbs. These guys were trying to out-do each other, show-off that they were the most daring action men. 

Johnny had no time for this talk, this schoolboy one-upmanship. He had lost friends to these mountains. Friends who had been strong, able climbers. Johnny turned to the group telling them of the need to respect the mountains. To be vigilant and not take risks. To be aware that the weather and conditions can change rapidly. To listen and look out for one another. That it is a joy to reach the summit, but getting to the top is a privilege that not everyone can achieve. 

Prayer:

Holy, Holy, Holy God

We stand amazed in your presence 

You are so humble that you came to live among us

Yet so powerful and mighty you created the whole universe.

Let us forever be in awe of your majesty

And the depth of your love

Amen