Therefore, 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
I may have mentioned this before, but it is always a real privilege and a joy for me when I get to share worship leadership with Rebekah.
This Sunday at Howard Memorial may have been exceptionally quiet, with a lot more than half the congregation traveling somewhere for the Labor Day weekend, but it was also exceptionally meaningful as Rebekah wrapped up her Lord’s Prayer series and we shared communion together.
“In these words we find constant hope”
I am going to keep this post focused on one simple point Rebekah made towards the end of Sunday’s message. She had been talking about the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, “for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever…”
This is what she said, beginning with the Hebrews passage:
“‘Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks.’ This gives us courage. God’s kingdom and power cannot be shaken, regardless of our life circumstances… God’s. Kingdom. Cannot. Be. Shaken! Only the kingdom power and glory of God stands firm in the midst of the insecurities of this life…
“We profess that we are living into God’s kingdom by God’s power, God’s glory, forever. We remind ourselves of this each time we recite the final words of the Lord’s prayer; and in these words we find constant hope.
“We gather here every week and profess that we follow Jesus. We really live in two worlds as Christians – one that will pass away and one that will last forever – both at the same time. It is at this point that the closing words of this remarkable prayer take on new meaning. The highest use that we can make of a shaken and uncertain time is to discover and to chose to live into that which is unshakable. The kingdom, power and glory of God.”
I have to repeat that critical statement:
The highest use that we can make of a shaken and uncertain time is to discover and to chose to live into that which is unshakable.
Rebekah Maul
Words to live by, words to live into – DEREK
Derek,
Thank you for your powerful words! I know with everything we see in the world, life can be confusing and disheartening at times. Thank you for reminding me that God’s power and work in the world is unshakable. This gives us all hope and peace!
Thank you for all that you do,
Aaron
Thanks, Aaron. You are always such an encouragement in your responses. I pray that this scripture from Hebrews continues to ring true.
I always enjoyed the “Dynamic Duo” when they led worship at WFPC and reminded all of us about the Unshakable Trio; Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Rick
So true! Thanks!