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 NIV
Ever heard the one about the Divine Clockmaker? It is the theory that God created the world, set it in motion, and then took His hands off. It is like a clockmaker wound up a clock, let it run and walked away. The implication is that God is detached, uninvolved in our day-to-day lives. Evil flourishes because God chooses not to intervene.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. Before God created the world, He knew the children of His creation would need to be saved. In eternity past, He had a plan for our salvation (Eph. 1:3-11). The entire Old Testament refers to and foreshadows a coming Savior (The Messiah).
That Savior, Jesus Christ, is God Himself come to earth (John 10:15). God is not detached. He is intimately involved with His children. He walked on the dusty earth with the mess of humanity. Then after Jesus paid for our sins on the cross and rose to heaven again, He sent His Spirit to live inside of His followers (1 Cor. 3:16). How could God be more involved than living right here in our mess?
I’m thinking about all these things because of Hebrews 12. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to fix our eyes on Jesus so we will not lose heart in suffering. In fact, we are to expect troubles in this life.
Hebrews 12 says that some of those troubles will come from God. God is so intimately involved in our lives He will discipline us like a loving Father. Our Father in heaven wants us to understand those things which are unshakable so we will cling to those. Some of the unshakable things are God’s love for us, His Word, and His plan for the ages. He wants to remove everything that can be shaken so that we can run the course He set for us with endurance.
Now, the discipline and shaking may not feel good in the moment. But we can rejoice that God is not an indifferent bystander. He is actively cleaning house, getting us ready to enter His Kingdom, which is unshakable.
I thank God for His unshakable Kingdom! Thank You, Lord that You didn’t leave me alone in my mess. Thank You for actively pursuing me. Father, I open the doors and windows of my house to You. Shake out and burn up those things that don’t belong in my life. God, my heart swells with gratitude and brims over into worship and reverence. To You be all the glory, honor, and praise! Amen.