A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken

Hebrews 12:18–29 NIV

You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he 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, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

The early church could not rely on the world

They should not think that crises will not come in the future

Focus on anything but God alone will eventually give way

Therefore they should not disobey God’s voice. It might save their lives. It will definitely preserve their hope and future...

Not out of fear, but because we have learned what is better. The reward is greater and the foundation more secure. They knew the bliss of forgiveness and the blessedness of being included in God’s family.

Our foundations will be shaken also

We can’t rely on the apparent strength of our culture or economy

Any other kingdom or foundation is too weak to hold us

We should not disobey God’s leading lest we miss out on the greater kingdom that is coming.

If we hold tightly to things in this world, what we are holding onto might not make the trip. If we are holding too tightly we might not make the trip...

Jesus was giving them a new kind of Kingdom

They could not earn it. They didn’t need to fear it. They could eternally hope in it! They could be living in that reality every day!

Since it is a received kingdom they needed to make room in their lives for what is to come. Living in fear and doubt and disbelief was not going to prepare them for the glories that remained.

We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken!

Therefore we should rejoice!

Yes, our God is a consuming fire. But that means what is less can be burned away so what is purified and ready for the eternal can remain. Of course fire here is a metaphor. It is a powerful one. For we can celebrate that we serve a powerful God.

Don’t live in paralyzing fear. Let God move deeply in your life. Expect very good things to come.

The foundations of this world will be shaken so a new creation can come. So don’t get too cozy.

But celebrate the glory of what is to come and the glory of our living God.

The New International Version Chapter 12

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,h let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,i 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.