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
Heavenly Father, there’s a “whole-lotta-skakin’-goin’-on”—internationally, environmentally, theologically, politically. But you haven’t left us in doubt about what it means. Until you send Jesus back to usher in the new heavens and new earth, we shouldn’t be surprised at just how “shaky” life in our world is going to be.
The tumbling tower of Babel, the destruction of Israel’s Temple, and the sacking of Rome were the first of many reminders that there’s only one everlasting kingdom, and only one praiseworthy, trustworthy, service-worthy King—King Jesus.
So we’re thankful this morning—thankful, not vex-full, clueless, or fearful. For, as this passage in Hebrews states, we’re already receiving your unshakable, everlasting, shalom-filled kingdom. When you raised Jesus from the dead and poured out your Spirit, everything changed.
Your promise to make all things new through Jesus began to unfold in dramatic ways. Though your schedule is different than ours, your kingdom is advancing, in ways we can observe and in ways that remain imperceptible to the naked eye. Providence, not happenstance, rules. You are sitting joyfully, peacefully, and sovereignly on your throne.
“Reverence and awe” are easy to muster for such a God like you are—so outrageously generous to us in the gospel; so totally in control of every rising and falling of kings and fiefdoms; so tenaciously engaged in redeeming your every-nation family.
Father, keep rescuing us from putting our hope in what is shaky, at best. May your unshakable kingdom be our passion, and the incomparable King be our delight. It’s not about our personal tribes, clubs, or druthers. So very Amen, we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.