Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12

 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29

I continue my study of Hebrews, and today my focus is Hebrews 12:25-29, and my unaided observations of the text. Here, building on the previous text where the author of Hebrews makes a contrast between Mount Sinai, where God met the Israelites and it was terrifying and no one could touch Mount Sinai, and Mount Zion, an eschatological reference to New Jerusalem and how believers have a foretaste of Heaven now, the text now warns new believers to not refuse the approachable Christ - that we can access directly - who comes to offer grace, mercy and eternal life.  In v26, the author of Hebrews references both Haggai 2:6 and Isaiah 13:13 where prophecies are offered how God will shake the created order - Heavens and earth.  We are warned to have faith in a God whose kingdom will last forever and will not be shaken - in particular, not during the last days when the "earth and heavens" will be shaken (v27).  Believe, have faith in what will not be shaken!

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is saving me a place in Heaven - in a kingdom that will never be shaken.  You are my firm foundation!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Psalm 119

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. v160

In world where standards - moral, ethical, educational, etc. - keep shifting or eroding,  God stands alone as the source of truth that never changes.  He is eternal and everything about Him is eternal, including His character and His attributes.

Luke 1:37 says: "For no word from God will ever fail".

Earlier in this Psalm it says: 
 

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. v90

 

James 1:17 says God "does not change like shifting shadows."

 

While our circumstances constantly change, a strong faith and trust in God will prevent us from being shaken.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

 

Of course, when we better understand God and become more like Him (Romans 12:2), our ability to stand firm in our faith SHOULD grow.  

 

See also biblical references to "not shaken". 

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are truth and light in world of darkness...without You I would be lost.  Thank You for being my light, my God, my Lord and Savior.  I am not worth Your love because I continue to worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.