Gratitude for Unshakeable Faith in Shaky Times
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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 (ESV)
Our times are certainly shaky, wouldn’t you agree? World events threaten to send us to bed paralyzed by anxiety. I find it disturbing how many ministry leaders fail to remain pure as examples for the faithful they lead. Another concerning trend is the number of Christians "deconstructing" their faith, which turns into "destruction" of faith. Yet it is encouraging to see so many revivals on college campuses and other evangelistic events drawing young adults to faith through sports figures, others sharing their testimonies, and a few faithful, prominent Christian leaders speaking out.
As persecution heats up, the spirit of God moves in greater tangible ways. But why do some Christians revert to their non-Christian lives or convert to works-based religions? Hypocrites jade some, while others are being forcibly silenced by opponents to the Christian faith. Here in Hebrews 12, we discover the reason to hold tightly to our faith, giving thanks that God's Kingdom is unshakeable despite our shaky times here and worldwide.
In Hebrews, a first-century unidentified Christian leader writes to Christians who converted from Judaism. He encourages them not to give up on their faith. At that time, persecution was mounting against them from all sides, not much different from in our day. The Jewish leaders pressured them in a variety of ways—insults, hardships, and more—to come to their senses and return to their Jewish roots.
They were reminded, and so are we, that God’s people of faith from the past can encourage us to remain unshaken. Because of this covenant, the Hebrew people, who held fast to their faith with reverent awe and obedience to God, experienced abundant blessings even in the Sinai desert. There were consequences to disobedience and falling away. How much greater would the consequences be for falling away from our faith in Christ?
God’s Kingdom is unshakeable because of God’s very nature. He cannot fail in following through with His part of the covenant. Jesus brought us the new covenant by shedding His blood on the Cross for our sins, bringing us into a right relationship with God. May we be grateful that God's Kingdom is unshakeable for us today. Let’s give thanks and worship Him in awestruck wonder. He will not abandon us, regardless of what comes our way.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What shakes you to the core of your faith as you and other believers endure persecution for being a Christian?
2. What Scriptures help you anchor your faith, so it remains unshakeable?
3. What are you grateful for as you meditate on our Bible passage?
