The Unshakable Kingdom
“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
With so much evil in the world these days and the knowledge and understanding of the Biblical text dwindling (even in the Church), it’s hard to believe sometimes that there remains an unshakable Kingdom. But please don’t be mistaken. The Kingdom of God is alive and well.
The problem with modern culture is that we want what we want, and we want it now. If instant rice isn’t fast enough, you can just pop it in the microwave. We look around at the problem of evil in the world and ask, “When is God going to resolve it?” What we may not want to hear is that God does not always work on our timetable. Scripture gives us many examples of how God’s people had to wait for the fulfillment of His promises. In the end, God was vindicated, and the suffering of His people was brought to an end. Israel spent more than 400 years in Egypt before entering the land God promised to Abraham. Generations came and went, but God’s Kingdom remained unshakable, and, in due season, His promises were fulfilled.
Understanding God’s work in the past gives us the courage to wait patiently for a solution. God often uses difficult and unusual circumstances to solve problems and fulfill His promises. Joseph was sold into slavery, which, years later, led to the saving of his family (not to mention all of Israel) from starvation. Esther was among the Jews taken into captivity by the Persians. She eventually rose to become queen of the empire. And by God’s guiding hand of providence, her selfless act prevented the murder of all the Jews. Israel may have been shaken, but the Kingdom of God remained unshakable.
You may be in a season of uncertainty or doubt. It might feel like the walls are closing in. You may be wondering when God is going to resolve the problems in your life or the world around you. Rest assured, God is still in control even when we are not.
“Let us be thankful”, as the author of Hebrews encourages, and “please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.” Know this, my friends: God is still on His unshakable throne.