"See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' This phrase, 'Yet once more' indicates the removal of things that are shaken-that is, things that have been made-in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 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 12:25-29 (ESV)
This text is primarily referring to the eminent dissolution of the Old Testament Temple era. That era was passing away as the new era based on the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:8-13) was beginning. Those who had prided themselves in keeping the words of God were now rejecting the full word of God in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-4). Their world would be shaken with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. What would remain is the kingdom built on the word of God.
Many times in history shakings have occurred as the church has veered from the word of God and has diluted it with the traditions of man. As a result of the shakings, new groups have begun, but often find themselves veering off again trying to protect their distinctive doctrine. Sadly, the apparent splintering of the church confuses the unbelieving world.
We are again in a shaking. The economic shaking is first. It gets our attention as it reveals the instability of trusting temporal security. But there is coming a shaking that will expose the traditions of man and focus on the word of God--the centrality of Jesus Christ. We will discover that being "biblical" means being Christ-centered. It is not enough to believe in the Bible as a whole, but not see its central message. It presents Jesus as the goal of history and the purpose of creation. He is the Son who delights the Father. He alone determines who knows God. All judgment is in his hand. He alone empowers people to live selfless lives for the glory of the Father. There is no real Christian ethic apart from his indwelling presence. There is no lasting moral influence apart from his death and resurrection. Any "word from God" that does not take into consideration this gospel is spurious. There are no promises outside of his fulfillment. There are no laws not covered by his empowering love.
We are shaken because anything built on less than the living Word of God is unstable. He loves us enough to shake us awake to the privilege of living in him. To live in the present kingdom of God means to live conscious of the exclusive glory in Christ Jesus. The politically correct agenda will snort and mock, but those who know him will stand. They can be gentle and firm because they know the One who needs no defense.
The shaking will not end when the stock market recovers. It is about something greater. Those who know Jesus and love him will rejoice when the obstructions to his glory are torn down. Their delight is in him and in his kingdom. The Father takes care of his children.
SYNERGY - Better Together: October 01, 2010 click for more > Five Pillars of New Testament Discipleship: : October 15, 2010 click for more > Family Reunion Retreat: December 03, 2010 click for more >
