Heb 12:28 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;
Let’s consider the first word in this scripture, but please bear with me as we do… ‘Therefore’ refers to the previous verses speaking of the great earthquake at Mt. Sinai when the Law was given. Ex 19:18 Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. In contrast, the kingdom of heaven cannot be moved.
“…a kingdom that cannot be shaken, in opposition to the law, which was an imperfect and alterable dispensation;” William Burkitt New Testament
I can only attempt to garner a simple understanding of what is contained in all the events of God shaking the heavens and the earth. I am no Biblical scholar, just a child of God with a heart full of love for Him. In the book of Haggai there is the account of God shaking the heavens and the earth which seems to relate to clearing of the church.
Hag 2:6-7 "For thus says the LORD 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. 7 'And I will shake all the nations; and they will come with the wealth of all nations; and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD of hosts.
The earth physically shook at Christ’s death and resurrection. See Luke 23:44-45. Matthew Poole’s Commentary explains this shaking as not only a physical phenomenon but also a “powerful, moral shaking”. Once again, when Christ comes back to earth, there will be an extraordinary shaking of the world. All enemies, all hypocrites, all deceivers will fall under the wrath of God.
What do we know for certain? God will judge His kingdom in order to cleanse it! When God speaks, creation listens! God is righteous and powerful!
Heb 12:27 And this [expression], "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
No wonder the next part of Hebrews 12:28 says “let us show gratitude”!
The word gratitude is actually translated to grace in the KJV. Grace <charis> means graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude. We certainly have reason to be thankful.
Sincerity usually shows itself through some kind of action. Consider: anger, happiness, contentment, fright, apprehension, and many other conditions are noticeable through our words, tone of our voice, actions and efforts or lack thereof. When we truly understand what we have in Christ, we will not be able to suppress our gratitude! Our actions will reflect thankfulness; our demeanor will be characterized by reverence for God. We will be consumed with the desire to give of ourselves through worship and service. Consider: If you take worshipping God and serving Him through others out of the equation of your life, what would be left? Hopefully, your answer would be nothing – NADA—Zero -- ZIP.
Ps 107:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Joh 11:41 And so they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank Thee that Thou heardest Me.
Eph 5:20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Col 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Col 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
1Ti 4:4-5 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
Heb 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Col 2:7 having been firmly rooted [and now] being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, [and] overflowing with gratitude.
What defines your life? What is the motivation for everything you do? If you’re thinking this is pretty extreme, it is! You’re right! We should be striving to serve God to the greatest degree possible, to the extent of giving of our lives for Him. If you are single, where is your time and energy spent? If you are married, serving God will include serving your spouse. Having children is an opportunity to offer service to God with a gentle heart towards your children even when you may be exhausted or have said something for the umpteenth time. Are you getting on in years with your family grown? Retiring from serving isn’t an option! Rather, retiring from the work that provided monetary resources frees up more time to serve those around you. Perhaps in a different, less physical way for some but, we can all offer prayer and encouragement.
Hebrews 12:28 says we show gratitude by offering ‘acceptable service’.
Acceptable to God. Pleasing Him well. Why? Because we hold Him in reverence and awe. This means we understand our unworthiness. It means to have a profound respect and holy fear of our amazing God. An overwhelming feeling of wonder and admiration than causes us to bow before the Almighty, desiring to live our lives in obedience to Him.
Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Eph 5:10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Ps 2:11 Worship the LORD with reverence, and rejoice with trembling.
1Pe 1:17 And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth;
Extreme living –
by God’s children, for His glory!
