Stability in Uncertain Times

Recently, we have been experiencing uncertain, unstable times concerning our economy. The rise of fuel and food have put a crunch on our budgets. The turmoil in the mortgage industry and housing market has caused us to wonder. The present events has caused a timeless reality to standout, our present existence is in a world that can be shaken, that is temporary and filled with uncertainties.

We have short-term memories. Each time we have a major event or crisis, it reminds us--it's as if this is a new revelation--we live in a temporary world that can be shaken. Our hope, our trust, our faith should not be in a world that is uncertain, unstable and temporary.

Just think about events in this decade that keep reminding us this: 2001, Twin Towers. 2003, Iraq War. 2005, Hurricane Katrina. 2007, 33 shot to death at Virginia Tech. 2008, Economy. 2008, Floods in Mid-West.

A tremendous passage written to encourage small groups of Christians who were under the pressure, stress and strain that comes with living in a world that is shaking around them, reminds them that they have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. They were reminded that when they gather as God's church to draw near to his throne, they are not alone, they are accompanied by a multitude of angels, spirits of the faithful, Jesus, and God on his throne. They were also reminded that this new and better way of being in God's sovereign, awesome, holy presence, this God who is Judge and a consuming fire, was made through Jesus--giving Christians, confidence, security, and hope. God reminds us as well.

We, too, are already a part of the unshakeable kingdom. We are already God's children--so God is protective, jealous and loving over his children. We are able to seek his empowering presence now. We are not alone. And we have a future of experiencing the unshakeable kingdom to its fullest extent.

We need to know that, especially when we are reminded that this world is full of uncertainties.

18You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." 21The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."
22But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:18-29.