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 12:28–29

Our world is being shaken. Every tentative plan we make is tinged with uncertainty and worry. Every attempt at normal life is filled with restrictions and change.

But, as God’s children, we have an unshakable hope, for we are receiving a kingdom that “cannot be shaken”. What is it that makes this kingdom unshakable? It has an unshakable King, who we are told is “a consuming fire”.

That imagery is stirring! God is fierce and powerful, a Warrior who cannot be pushed back. He is a fire that fills and takes over whatever He touches and wherever He is.

But the imagery also forces us to sit up. We might even feel a bit uncomfortable. It might give us a terrified fear rather than an awed, reassured fear.

Remember this, however. God being an unstoppable, fierce, all-consuming fire is only scary if He is against us. That is a heart-stopping enemy to have.

But He is not against us, He is for us, even loving us enough to give up His life on the cross for us. The unstoppable God who cannot be defeated tasted the defeat of death in our place, so that we can receive His kingdom, which cannot be shaken—because its King cannot be shaken.

So, says the writer of Hebrews, let us worship God in reverence and awe for Him who holds our hope ever steady.

Faithful God, my Father,
I look to You; my unshakable God!
When the world is dark, lift my eyes.
Show me the blessings You are storing up for Your people.
Encourage me to know that You are at work,
even when I can’t see Your hand.

Help me, when I can’t see any light, to know
that nothing has changed in Your kingdom.
You are still on Your throne, and You are still good.
Bolster me with hope; that one day soon
You will right all the wrongs and
bring healing to this broken world.

You are Help for the helpless,
hope for the hopeless,
strength for the weak.
My faith and hope are in You, Lord, my living Saviour.
I know You are the reason for my hope today;
You have called me to Yourself.
I delight to be in Your presence.