Receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken

In Hebrews 12:26, we are told that God's voice once shook the earth, but that we can expect Him once again to shake both the earth and the heavens. A similar warning is found in Haggai 2:6 in which the heavens, the earth, the sea and the dry land - and even the nations will be shaken. Why? Because He wants to fill His house with His glory. He wants us to understand what it means to receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken - no matter what circumstances or challenges or fears or battles we must face. We may not enjoy being shaken in this manner - but God has real purpose in it all - and it is earthed in His amazing love for us.

We are literally being prepared for a life lived with the Lord Himself that will last all eternity. However, we can actually receive the benefits of His Kingdom in our life now! God is training and preparing us in these very challenging and stretching days. In Hebrews 12:10-11, reference is made to our being disciplined by God for the sole reason of sharing in His holiness. But it gets better. This takes place in order that we receive a harvest of righteousness and peace which are the benefits of this training.

No doubt about it, we are living in a very volatile world at this time. Only those who are able to view things from God's perspective will actually understand what is going on - and why. We have all heard the amazing testimonies of the Miracle on the Hudson in which everyone survived a jet airliner making an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Now more recently we are experiencing the aftermath of another commuter airliner that crashed in Buffalo - with no survivors. Does this mean God did not intervene? Is this not shaking and challenging our belief system somewhat? It certainly allows us to see the frailty of life, and challenges us to ensure that our lives are truly hidden in Christ. The vicissitudes of life seem very unsettling these days!

Human structures and systems are being soundly challenged by God. The heavens and the earth are receiving a significant Divine wake-up call as God Himself addresses our economics, our politics, our ethics and morals, our ever changing weather conditions - and even our opinion of what He is like! Without God at work in our lives today, there appears to be little hope.

But knowing that He is at work in spite of our weakness and frailty - and at times our ignorance - means He is serving notice that He is a work for those who have eyes to see and ears with which to listen to His Counsel. The God we serve both comforts and consoles, but when necessary also roars and shakes the earth, because He is telling us time is short - and He is preparing for those of us who accept His training and discipline, a Kingdom that can never be shaken.


Prayer: Lord, you have invited us to share in Your holiness. What an amazing thought! You are training us in order that we receive a harvest of righteousness. You are asking us to strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees and to be healed. Father, You are speaking loud and clear today in both the heavens and the earth and we want to be watching and listening, ready and waiting. Remove from our lives what can be shaken so that we understand what You are doing in the heavens and on the earth - and prepare us for a Kingdom that cannot be shaken - that begins even now, and lasts right on into eternity. In Jesus' Name. Amen.