Scripture is a treasure chest of transition words: but, therefore, instead, yet, and so. God’s story is a metanarrative, the movements of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Our God loves to tell the story of breathing life into dead bones.
The book of Hebrews especially spends considerable time comparing the wrath of God with the salvation of Jesus in our new covenant. If you were with us during the Exodus study, you might remember reading the first-hand account of what this passage of Hebrews is describing. Moses and the Israelites were saved from bondage and brought to Mount Sinai. God gave them the Ten Commandments and law at the foot of that mountain. He was establishing an earthly kingdom in the promised land.
God knows that our hearts are bent toward wickedness. He is a good God to tell us the truth about our situation. He exposes our need for His mercy and grace by showing up at Mount Sinai with the law.
A transition word comes next: instead. “Instead, you have come to Mount Zion” (Hebrews 12:22). What is at the foot of this mountain? Take a moment to re-read these verses: Hebrews 12:22–24.
Can you feel the tension released, the exhale, in this gospel message?
The Old Testament prophesied about the new covenant and Mediator that was to come (Isaiah 62:11). Our God placed the wrath of Mount Sinai on our Jesus so that we can be secure in our salvation. God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken! As the reading today points out, this truth should invoke us to be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the fruit of obedience, peace in a troubled world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.
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34 thoughts on "An Unshakeable Kingdom"
Jesus is the final covenant and gave us all access to salvation.
Gratitude and worship are due in light of salvation in reverence and awe.
Praying for you! Praying you will have enough strength to visit your daughter Margaret W!
I will pray for you,Margaret W, and your trip to Manhattan for Thanksgiving!
Amen! I am so thankful for this community of women!
I doo ok my want the knowledge that we are under this new covenant to become old news. I want this reality to still fill me with wonder and awe. I love that nothing can shake this kingdom, no matter how crazy this world gets, we have a sure foundation in Christ.
When talking about shaking, strangely I envision a house in a cartoon scene, that is grabbed and turned upside down by a bigger character, to see if the smaller character will fall off, usually the furniture will come out first. The Bible says the Lord is a foundation, a sure one that has been tested (Isaiah 28:16: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic). If a house is turned upside down by some force, what will fall out? If anything is fastened onto the sure foundation, it will be anchored if shaken violently. In these last days, as the prophecy of God has stated, He will allow tremendous shaking, even powers of Heaven will shake, let alone powers on earth- already started shaking left and right (Luke 21:26). Let us be fastened to the foundation of God and His Word, so as we won’t fall away. Heavens and earth will pass away, but my Word will not pass away (Matthew 24:35). Paul prayed for us in 2 Thessalonians 2: 2 that we will not be shaken in the mind or be troubled in the spirit as that the day of the Lord is at hand. May us be reminded of what’s perishable and what’s not. The day is ordained and at hand, we just don’t know exactly, however the sign will be revealed to those who keep watch. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36 KJV). Be blessed dear sisters.
Today it is a bit easier to be thankful, as I have escaped my daily routine for a couple of hours to sit beside a lovely waterfall and read this devotional and wander around in the beauty of falling leaves. I grew up too far south to see this spectacle as a child, so it fills me with wonder every year. Yesterday’s passage spoke of strengthening weak knees. My arthritis has been so bad it has had me in tears this week. I fear I will not be able to visit my daughter in Manhattan for Thanksgiving. I covet your prayers for this trip, but I know God has everything under control whether He chooses to heal me now or not. Today, I choose to focus on praising Him, because He is good, no matter what.
Me too!
Churchmouse- I too struggle with transistions and change. But like you, so thankful for the new covenant and the saving grace of Jesus.
Tina- Thank you <3
In our home, for my 4th and 5th grader, we are studying conjunctions – the connecting words in this commentary. I love that I will be able to show them this to bring an even further connection of how God reveals Himself and His word, even in our every day studies of the English language. Jesus is THE conjunction – connecting a God who is complete and can stand alone with a subordinate people with a need for a conjunction to the complete in order to make sense!
I will chuckle and smile with gratitude as we dig into our lessons today!
Does anyone else feel like there were parts of this devotional that were cut out? I love how it started but it feels like the writer had more to say and it got cut short.
I am so thankful for you ladies. I glean so much from your wisdom. Thank you for sharing and praying for this community. I’m praying for all of you!
We live in a shaking world.
But thankfully we can look ahead to the wonderful future that He has prepared for us.
Until we get there, we run the race with endurance and keep looking to Jesus.
Hugs to my she’s. ❤️
I just love these verses!
SUSAN – Prayers for you and your family as Andy’s birthday approaches. God blessed you with 44 years! Tanner was 33 when he passed. His life expectancy was 10-12 early on and then 27. We made it farther than I expected! I pray you all have a God’s peace over you.
TINA – Thank you for such kind thoughtful words dear sister. You helped me through a hard time with your words without even knowing it. I will be forever grateful. Love to you from across the pond. I was in London in September. Not sure where you are located, but it would have been wonderful to meet you. Big hug
Thank you to all for your prayers. I hold tight to love coming from all around. Prayers for all the She’s requests.
These words: God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We should be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the first of obedience, peace in a troubled mind and world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.
Ephesians 1:18-23 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
As I was reading Hebrews 12:24, the lyrics of the praise song “Better Word” came to mind:
Your blood is healing every wound
Your blood is making all things new
Your blood speaks a better word
Your blood, the measure of my worth
Your blood, more than I deserve
Your blood speaks a better word
Speaks a better word
It’s singing out with life
It’s shouting down the lies
Oh, it echoes through the night
The precious blood of Christ
Speaks a better word
Speaks a better word…
So thankful for the precious blood of Jesus that was poured out for me and all who believe. Because of His blood I belong to a kingdom that can not be shaken, my name is written in heaven – Praise God! So much to be thankful for.
@Traci Gendron – praying for you as the 2nd anniversary of Tanner’s death approaches. May God comfort you, wrap His arms around you and give you peace of heart and mind.❤️
A blessed Thursday to you all!
I look forward to your posts Jennifer Loves Jesus, thank you!
In my devotional/journaling Bible is this prayer: “Dear God, Give your daughter the ability to see You as the loving, kind Father that You are. HELP her to RUN to Your open arms daily and respond with a heart of praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.” The emphasis is mine.
In Kasey’s last paragraph she says “Our God placed the wrath of Mount Sinai on our Jesus so that we can be secure in our salvation. God has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken! As the reading today points out, this truth should invoke us to be thankful. This thanksgiving can produce the fruit of obedience, peace in a troubled world, contentment in various circumstances, and awe of our merciful God.” WOW!!! That really says it all and makes me think. It makes me want THANK and PRAISE God for ALL He has done for me and given me.
I want to thank all my sisters for all the prayers. We will be moving on Sunday. I don’t know how long we will be living in this house but my sister and I have decided to make the best of it. I seem to be the only one with an optimistic attitude about not being there long and the lawyer being able to get us out of it.
Be blessed and ALWAYS think positive sisters.
How much we have to look forward to! I have hope of things yet to come. I am so thankful, for he is good all the time. Oh may my eyes be opened every day to his kindnesses and what he is doing.
The truth that God is a consuming fire is a comfort to the believer. They realize the Father poured out his consuming fire of judgment on the Son, (his son, Jesus) in our place. When he did it, it completely consumed the guilt of sin in all who believe. The penalty of sin was consumed in Jesus at the cross. The old covenant from Sinai shook the earth, the new covenant from Zion will shake both the earth and heaven. We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. So grateful and thankful that God gives us this foundation to be secure and safe, where we can stand firm.
My name is on the King’s list. I am enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). As the earth is shaking with the tremors of time, I am not afraid of what is coming. “Since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken (an unshakable Kingdom), let us give thanks, by which we may worship God in a well-pleasing way, with reverence and awe, for indeed our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). I respond with wonderment and gratitude. This wonderful yet dangerous love of God is my shield. He consumes me in His refining fire, but I am loved and not destroyed, because I am His. I am protected from the Enemy, and from the elements and spirits of this world. What a gift He has given us. It is ours to open with joy and salvation each and every day. Our bodies are barriers to the heavenly realm now, but/and we will have new ones in the coming Kingdom. Even as we experience pain now, my soul experiences unshakable mercy and love with Jesus. So out of this weighted life here and now, I am held by gravity. But/and my spirit is held by grace. Father God, let my words and actions serve You. May Your love flow through me in ways that others experience Your unshakable peace. As I live and breathe, make me more humble. Give me strength and courage to face the coming days. Maranatha. Amen.
Churchmouse, I too walk into change a bit squeamish. The change to the New Covenant is a walk I am thankful for. How fortunate I was born in the 50’s AD and not BC. Can you imagine trying to be a Godly person in so much disarray and un-Godly acts? We walk in a world of redemption with the Holy Spirit to guide us, with a Christ that died to save us from ourselves and the world. As Tina would say…BUT GOD. ♥️
♥️
Two things from today’s reading – “living God” and “a kingdom that cannot be shaken”
So much comfort in those two phrases. No matter what we are going through, those truths never change. Blessed assurance.
Praying for all of us missing loved ones, especially those with significant dates approaching, and during the holidays that are just around the corner. TINA, TRACI G, SUSAN, MARTHA HIX and so many more.
Also praying for SARAH D, ERICA CHRISTIAN, JENNY SOMERS, AMANDA NOBLE, LYNNE FROM AL/JACK, DOROTHY, HEIDI, GRAMSIESUE/STEVE and others as I read through requests.
Requesting prayer for Shannon’s mom, who is not strong enough to have the bypass surgery needed.
thank you TINA – love you, sister!
Lord thank you for your unshakable kingdom. In a world of turmoil and constant “ earthquakes” I’m grateful to know what my future holds and on especially hard days I cling to your future kingdom. Thank you for the gift of salvation which brings me peace in my present circumstances.
Unshakable. God’s kingdom is unshakable, because He is unshakable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the firm foundation. He is the Rock upon which we can stand. When the storms of life blow against us, He keeps us firmly secure so that we will not fall.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
[Chorus]
On Christ the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev’ry high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
[Chorus]
His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
[Chorus]
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
[Chorus]
(By: Edward Mote)
Since we are receiving this unshakable kingdom, we should respond with thankfulness and gratitude. In this way, we will serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, because He is holy, He is a consuming fire.
Thankfulness with reverence and awe. Teach me, Lord, how to live in this way and serve You this way. Continue to make me aware of Your holiness. Help me to worship You wholeheartedly. Amen!
I need to remember that God is unchangeable. This God of “consuming fire” at Mt. Sinai is the same God of nearness at Mt. Zion. And JESUS is the one who satisfies the burning, holy wrath of God so that I can approach Him at the “festive gathering.” I am in awe!!
Lord let us all stand on unshakeable faith knowing out King reigns! In Jesus name, Amen
As a citizen of God’s kingdom, I have a solid, unshakable, eternal foundation that will hold fast when the kingdom of this world is falling into chaos. Hallelujah
TINA – thank you
Our God is a consuming fire. It might not be the thing I want to hear first, but God is holy. You cant play with Him, He wants our all and everything. But there is also comfort in this imagery. It made me think of Zechariah 2:5 were God promises the people that He will be a wall of fire around them. Covered by the blood of Christ, we are save within Gods protection. No enemy will be able to get to us. Yes, let us serve God with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.
As I run this race with my Jesus, I am continually amazed at His goodness. I DO believe he works miracles because I have witnessed it in the life of my son. This morning my heart is full. I have so loved this study on Hebrews and learn so much from everyone ‘s sharing. I lift my hands in prayer for all your requests and praises. ❤️
CHURCHMOUSE. My dear, my friend, my fellow sojourner.. Blessings abundant being prayed over you.. Much love, always.❤
MICHELLE. Thankful for you! What truth you spoke yesterday, “Trials often turn to blessings”
Praying continued blessings over you.❤
JENNY SOMERS. Bless you for your words, and thank you.❤
ERICA CHRISTIAN. Praying with and for you and yours, to Keep your eyes on Jesus. You are not alone. God sees. God knows your heart. God hears your cries… this too shall pass dearest heart. Hold fast, Erica, hold fast to the One who walks beside you, everyday.❤
SEARCHING. I am blessed, totally, to know you through SRT, My sister! You are one of my earthly champions. Thank you, wrapped in love and blessings right back atcha!❤
KELLY(NEO) Lifting you up in prayer today. May your endurance soon turn to praising…’for He has lifted me out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand..’ (Psalm 40)
He WILL put a new song in your mouth.
Love you sis!❤
PATTIE MCLEAN. ❤
MARI V. Dear heart, keep on running, you have the best CHEERLEADER.. Hugs.❤
KAT D. God sees you. He loves you. He runs your ‘race’ with and beside you.❤
JANE K. Thank you for your prayers. Blessings.❤
SHARON JERSEY GIRL. Thank you for your love, support, kindness, encouragement and prayers. It is well.❤
SARAH D. Lifting your work situation up to the Lord.praying also, that whilst you wait on the Lord, you may know His peace, and that He would wrap you tightly in His love, SO you CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS YOU.
He’s got you!❤
MICHELLE PATIRE. ❤
LEXI B. Praising God gor your 6 years in remission. Long may this blessing continue, and long may you be covered by His healing love.❤
DOROTHY. Praying for peace of heart and clarification in all your plans. Also Praying for your sister.❤
HEIDI.Praying God’s refuelling over you. He sees you my sister. He sees you and He’s got your back. Hang in there..❤
TRACI GENDRON. Praying you feel the Saviours arms around you as Tanners anniversary approaches. Also that you find your strength in Him, whos comfort, whos love, whos peace surpasses ALL.
Sending you love so tightly wrapped in hugs and prayers, dear heart..❤
SUSAN, Lifting your family up in prayer, as you gather at Thanksgiving to celebrate/mark Andys birthday. It will be tough, BUT GOD..
He will be near.. HE IS NEAR TO THE BROKEN HEARTED.
Hugs wrapped in love..❤
And to ALL, thankful each and everyone here. I am blessed..
Thank you..❤
I often face transition with some trepidation. Not so with the new covenant. All of God’s promises are true. I fully accept my redemption obtained through Jesus. My earthly days find me at peace and my future is secure.