God will shake the earth, and the heavens!
The writer of Hebrews strongly warns his readers – “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.’ Now this expression, ‘Yet once more,’ indicates the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe, for OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE.” (Hebrews 12: 25-29)
The writer of Hebrews quotes the prophet Haggai from the Old Testament. Haggai wrote – “For thus says Yahweh of hosts, ‘Once more – in a little while – I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land. And I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the desirable things of all nations, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says Yahweh of hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ declares Yahweh of hosts. The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of hosts,’ and in this place I will give peace,’ declares Yahweh of hosts.’” (Haggai 2: 6-9) These verses refer to what will happen when the nations are subjugated by Jesus at the coming of His Kingdom on earth.
Is there any doubt that things are beginning to be “shaken” today?
When He was at Mount Sinai, God shook the earth; however, from Mount Zion, His heavenly throne, God will shake the entire universe.
It says in Isaiah – “And all the host of heaven will rot away, and the sky will be rolled up like a scroll; all their hosts will also wither away as leaf withers from the vine, or as one withers from the fig tree.” (Isaiah 34: 4) and – “For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but my loving kindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken, says Yahweh who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54: 10)
God’s creation, including everything in the physical universe, will ultimately be set free from the curse it is under – “For the anxious longing of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” (Romans 8: 19-22)
Everything that is physical or temporal will be destroyed so that only that which is eternal remains. God will create a new heaven and a new earth – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Revelation 21: 1-2)
The writer of Hebrews warned his readers earlier in his letter – “See to it brothers, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3: 12) In the above verses, the writer reiterates what he said earlier in his letter by saying – “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” He also warned them about neglecting their salvation – “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every trespass and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2: 1-3a)
Maybe it is time for all of us to take God seriously. He has left us His word for a reason. He has told us what the future holds. Throughout the Bible, whenever God brings judgment on a nation or group of people, He always warns them first. For example, He warned many people over many years through Noah before the flood killed everyone except eight people. What we see happening in our world today should be a warning to us. It is a warning to us to pay attention. We should wake up! Wake up from our focus on this present world and seek to know and trust God more and study His word. The book of Revelation reveals to us what will happen as Jesus’ return draws closer.
Who and what are you listening to today? Who are you following? Are the influencers or people you are following telling you the truth? In our ultra-tech world today, creating and promoting deception is becoming easier to do. Studying the Bible thoroughly as well as applying God’s word in our lives will help us stay focused on what is eternal as the world around us grows more chaotic.
Jesus spoke these words to John – “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, THE FIRST AND THE LAST, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22: 12-13)
Won’t you turn to Jesus today and trust what He has done for you for your eternal salvation and redemption!
