Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

(Hebrews 12:27-28 NKJV)

I recall my mom and I watching her favorite soap opera, As the World Turns, on hot summer afternoons. As the intro music began, the globe came onto the television screen spinning. On the last episode, Dr. Bob Hughes spun the globe on his desk as he left his office for the final time.

For the last eighteen months, the entire world has been shaken. I agree with great theologians that God has released judgement. Not just on the world, but judgement upon the church.

For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 NKJV)

Too many weak-kneed pastors have resorted to people pleasing and watering down the truth. The overall church has invited the world in, and now that same world trembles in the hands of God.

In Hebrews chapter twelve, the author compares two mountains, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. When God spoke on Mount Sinai, the entire mountain shook with darkness and fire. Even Moses trembled with fear (Heb. 12:21).

Mount Zion is synonymous with heaven. We come to Mount Zion and Jesus Christ with reverence. Mount Zion isn’t threatening. Then the author warns us:

whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” (Hebrews 12:26 NKJV)

This refers to the great earthquakes of the Tribulation, but many believe it’s a two-fold prophecy, and we are witnessing the shaking right now. It seems likely with Covid, loss of freedoms, closed churches, riots, racism, evil crime sprees, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and supply chain shortages.

Why would God shake us up? Why would He allow something so troublesome to happen to His own children? He wants to pry our fingers from the world. Look at our focal verses. God is removing the things which are being shaken, even creation itself. We must release our hold on temporal things. If we refuse, God will shake them out of our hands.

It’s difficult to grip two things at once, and God wants us holding firmly to eternal things.

Friend, the kingdom of God cannot be shaken. Though we don’t physically have that kingdom yet, we have it spiritually. His kingdom must be our priority, not worldly things which are passing.

God promises grace so we can serve Him acceptably. Hold onto the eternal, because it is the better world.

Lord God, show me what You want me to release. Help me grip tightly only to what’s eternal. Help me tell others about You in these last days. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Hebrews 12:18-29.

HIKING THE TRAIL

I’m not suggesting we give up everything secular. That’s hardly possible, but God wants us to cling to the eternal. What does that look like for you?

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Originally posted on October 29, 2021 @ 3:00 am