“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;”

Hebrews 12:28

I have been pondering how this verse might apply today in my life and your life.  And, it has made me think about earthquakes.

The kingdom we have received while living in these earthly bodies reside in our hearts.  It is a faith kingdom.  It is faith in God Who cannot be shaken.  Earlier in this chapter, we are told that Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith (verse 2).  As we grow in faith (as God gives us opportunities to practice having faith), our hearts grow strong and we are not easily moved from that foundation.  We cannot be shaken.

I lived in Southern California for many years and earthquakes were quite the norm.  I remember being on the phone with a friend when we had an earthquake.  She lived outside of California and got quite concerned.  For me, it was a typical earthquake and was not alarmed.  I had experience (or shall I say practice) with typical earthquakes.  I was not easily shaken when it came to earthquakes.  One night, we had an unusually stronger earthquake and I knew I needed to seek some protection.  I grabbed my pillow to go to sleep under a table.  While it was a stronger earthquake, I still was not easily shaken by it.

I believe this is what happens as we grow in faith in God.  We are not as easily shaken by the trials and struggles that come into our lives.  We learn that we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  While everything around us may shake, what we have in Christ is unshakable.  Our hope, our joy, our peace, our faith is sure because of Christ.  We can serve with respect and appreciation, because we know that God has given us something so much greater than the world could ever give.  We know in Him that we will prevail.  It is in His strength that we rest.

What a beautiful reminder of the certainty we have in Christ.  The Apostle John records these final words of Jesus, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  There is nothing further that needs to be done.  Christ accomplished it all on our behalf.  Let the earthquakes and storms of life come.  They cannot undo what Christ has finished.  We have received the kingdom of Christ “which cannot be shaken.”