A Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On!
I’m not one to keep tabs on all the earthquakes or volcanoes or natural disasters happening around the world, but it seems to me, based on what I’m seeing and based on what’s being reported around the world, things of biblical proportions are happening.
Jesus gave many warnings about how things would look before his return. Earthquakes and various kinds of disasters were on that list, including an increase in wars, famines, pestilences (like a worldwide pandemic), and many other signs that we should be paying attention to.
In Hebrews 12:26b-28 it says, “Once more will I 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.”
The question we need to ask ourselves is, “What can be shaken, and what cannot be shaken when it seems like the whole world is shaking?”
The author of Hebrews was writing to a people who were very discouraged. Their lives were being shaken up by persecution. Some were losing their jobs, some were having their homes and property confiscated, many were being shunned by their neighbors, and in some cases being sent to prison for their faith in Jesus.
Unless there is a major spiritual awakening in our country and around the world, it looks like we are in for a whole lot of shaking in the coming days.
Hebrews 12:27-28 indicates everything can be shaken with the exception of one thing, the kingdom of God. Everything in the kingdom of God will stand; it will not be shaken because God’s kingdom is eternal and unshakable.
What does this mean for us?
It doesn’t mean we won’t be affected by the events going on in the world. It doesn’t mean our lives are insulated from pain and suffering as a result of earthquakes and wars and other kinds of disasters. It doesn’t mean we get a free pass when the job market tanks or the economy bottoms out.
Sometimes I have conversations with people about what’s going on in our country and around the world, and I can see the fear in their eyes. I understand how they feel because it’s hard to hear those kinds of things and realize our future might be in jeopardy.
Is there something that is shaking up your world right now?
In John 16 Jesus told his disciples things were going to get rough and that he was going to be crucified. The disciples were alarmed; they were shaken up. However, Jesus offered them these encouraging words in John 16:33 (NLT): “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
When your world is being shaken up, remember what Jesus said: “So that in me you may have peace.” Rejoice, we are a part of an unshakable kingdom.
Stay close to Jesus,
Steve