The Things That Cannot Be Shaken
Jennifer Williams
The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken--that is, created things--so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Hebrews 12:27
In many parts of the world where they experience earthquakes and hurricanes, you will find buildings that stand unaffected by these disasters while many have crumbled. The city of New Orleans was built on swamp land made up of organic materials and was above sea level at one point. Today the city is below sea level because of the decaying of the organic materials. Of course, when hurricane Katrina came, the storm surge overwhelmed the inadequate defence creating a disaster. The foundation that the city was built on was weak. But the foundation of God stands sure. "His house (which we are), is built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20).
God's kingdom is no longer being built in the physical but in the spiritual world. His foundation has been tried and proven to stand the storms of life, and there will never be any decay. The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken. The temple made with hands and the sacrifices of animals for sin were removed! The blood of Jesus speaks a better word, it speak righteousness and stands in our defence. That will never be shaken!
For a foundation to be reliable it must be unshakable, and if our souls are to rest in peace and comfort the foundation on which it stands must be unshakable. The house built on sand may present a fine appearance when the sun shines and the weather is good, but when storms arise and the winds blow, and the floods come that house will fall (Matthew 7:24-27). In contrast, the house built on the rock is more than able to withstand all that come against it! It will remain unshaken after the storm is over! How often we build our Christian life on insecure foundations, knowing that storms are inevitable. Things manufactured by our own efforts or thoughts will never stand the trials of life, and we are prone to rest on them instead of resting on Jesus. Through his love God will shake those things from us so that we will become who he wants us to be.
The things that cannot be shaken are in Christ alone! Nothing added but "pure and undefiled religion" (James 1:27). Our feelings, good works, and our hopes, if not in Christ will be shaken, and then there is a final shaking. In the end only God's word will stand, Jesus Christ himself, the chief cornerstone! So let us build our lives on him, the safe and sure foundation.
Scripture reference:
Hebrews 12
