“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
We constantly deal with change that threatens to shake us: Fads and trends, Hawaii’s annual hurricane season, treasures that decay, COVID-19 and other diseases, changes in our health, letting go of loved ones. Understandably, we’re saddened, afraid, or angry when we lose something or someone we want to hold on to, when we feel like our world is shaken.
But our God is a “consuming fire.” He is sovereign. His voice can shake the earth and the heavens (v. 26); He is sovereign over our losses so that what’s left will be the unshaken (v. 26-28, Hg. 2:6). God created us to yearn for what’s unshaken, secure, constant, strong – all attributes of God, our Father and His kingdom. God created us to serve and glorify Him in our yearning.
Therefore, the author of Hebrews exhorts believers to be thankful, and from thankfulness, serve God with reverence and awe (v. 28). We are thankful because we have received “a kingdom that cannot be shaken,” not by our own works but by Jesus’ sacrifice. Whereas the blood of faithful Abel cried out for vengeance, the blood of Jesus speaks upon us forgiveness and love (v. 24). With this better word from Jesus, we understand the importance of not rejecting Him who is speaking, since He is the only mediator in the new covenant (v. 25). Those in this new covenant in Christ will be unshakable and steadfast. But those who reject Him and His kingdom can only expect to be shaken.
Having God’s unshakable kingdom, let’s honor God for what He has done. He is a consuming fire who has graciously saved us. Let’s worship and serve him today.