The Pastor’s C
“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we, if we turn away from him, who warns us from heaven? At that time, his voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken- that is, created things-so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” ( Hebrews 12:25-29)
As a rule, people like security. We seek what is comfortable. Yet, the reality of our world is that much instability exists. For example, finances, health, and even a country’s ability to survive are not guaranteed.
When our foundation is shaken, we often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes Satan causes the difficulty — with God’s permission, of course. At other times, challenging circumstances are brought about by the Lord’s hand. Regardless of the source, we have the promise in Romans 8:28 that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
And in either case, the Almighty’s purpose remains: to glorify Himself in our world and in our lives.
There are different reasons the Lord permits turmoil, but for now, let us focus on one: He will not allow anything that enables man to seem self-sufficient in his own eyes.
Therefore, God may lovingly allow enough trouble for us to realize our need of Him. Consider the trials the Israelites faced each time they turned away from Jehovah to worship other gods. In many ways, we do the same thing today. Individually, in our churches, and as a nation, we often glorify “gods” like money or status. But the One who created us will not tolerate this.
In our pride, we tend to think we are able to manage without God. But out of love, He may stir up our lives to reveal our dependence upon Him. If you are basing your security on anything except Jesus Christ — even something as seemingly innocent as comfort — it will prove to be sinking sand.
Eventually, the world will crumble, and only God’s kingdom will last. God will one day bring down the present world order and shake to pieces the whole material universe. The present form of the world is not eternal; it will be destroyed by fire and replaced by a new heaven and earth ( Revelation 20:11). The only thing that will survive in its present form will be God’s kingdom and those who belong to it.
Where do you stand? Are you part of God’s kingdom? Are you unsure about your future? No matter what happens here, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed. Don’t put your confidence in what can be destroyed, instead, build your life on Christ and his unshakable kingdom.
It is never too late to become a child of God and be part of God’s kingdom. Ask Him to become Lord and Savior of your life. Become part of God’s kingdom.
