He (God) has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe… Hebrews 12:26-28
Dear heavenly Father, there’s been a “whole-lotta-skakin’-goin’-on” recently in this ole’ world… in my world. The Haitian earthquake, the Icelandic volcano, the 1000 year Nashville flood, right here in my backyard (literally)… the Dow Jones average dropping 1000 points in five minutes… it’s enough to make me believe (again) in the non-permanence of a lot of stuff.
How I praise you that we don’t have to wonder about what’s going on… we don’t have to gather an executive committee of environmental and financial experts to proffer a few suggestions… we don’t have to consult tea leaves, tarot cards or television pundits for insight. This isn’t rocket science or some great mystery. You’ve spoken and you haven’t stuttered in your Word.
Until you send Jesus back to usher in the only unshakable kingdom, we should not be surprised at just how “shaky” everything’s going to be. The tumbling tower of Babel was the first of many reminders to us that there’s only one everlasting kingdom and there’s only one praiseworthy, trustworthy, service-worthy King.
Indeed, I am so very thankful this morning… thankful, not fretful or fearful. For we are already receiving this unshakable kingdom. Father, when you raised Jesus from the dead, everything changed. Your kingdom arrived in a remarkable new way and your kingdom is advancing… in ways we can observe and in ways that remain imperceptible to the naked eye.
Reverence and awe are easy to muster for such a God as you… so outrageously generous to us in the gospel… so providentially in control of every rising and falling of our rivers and financial indicators… so lovingly engaged in making all things new through Jesus—your beloved Son and our wonderful, merciful Savior.
Keep rescuing us… rescuing me… from putting my hope in what is shaky, at best. May the unshakable kingdom be my passion and the incomparable King be my delight. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.