Shaken and Stirred
by Malcolm Wood
When we look at what is happening around the world right now, with epidemics, pandemics, and an increase in the number and frequency of earthquakes, flooding, volcanic activity, and devastating wars, is it any wonder that many are asking whether these events describe what the prophet was talking about in the verse above – God’s shaking. I believe that these things could well be the start of the fulfilment of that prophecy, or at least a warning and example of what is to come.
The writer of Hebrews quotes this prophecy. He reminds his readers of the awesomeness of God and how important it is not to turn away from Him. Even if the physical world should be destroyed, true believers belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, and will remain, whilst things that can be shaken will disappear (Hebrews 12:25-27).
As we compare the news reports and study our bibles with an increased urgency and intensity, there seems to be no doubt that, through all that is happening around us, God is getting the attention of those who are looking and listening to Him, confirming that the return of Jesus is not far away.
Although, as believers, we can take encouragement from the fact that we belong to that unshakable kingdom, there is a sense in which we do need to be shaken from any lethargy, indifference, or complacency that we may have. We need to rise to the challenge that these times present, the opportunity to ‘shine as bright lights in a world of crooked and perverse people’, as the apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:15.
God’s people may need to take a fresh look at the words of the Lord, as sent to the Church at Sardis, where things weren’t as they should have been. The Lord tells them to wake up, strengthen what remains, repent, and get on with serving him (Revelation 3:2).
And the writer to the Hebrews tells his readers they are to live a holy life. He writes, ‘So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees’ (Hebrews12:12).
These are certainly days when we, the Church, as never before, should be alive, awake, and actively engaged in furthering the work of that Kingdom which cannot be shaken. Paul, writing to Timothy, encourages him to ‘Stir up the gift of God which is in you’. He reminds Timothy (and us) that ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline’ (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
I pray we all may become people who are willing to be shaken, not by fear, but by the Spirit of God, and stirred into action for the unshakable kingdom of God.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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