30 Jun July 10 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

THE EARTH AND HEAVENS SHALL SHAKE

Hebrews 12:26-27  “ At 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.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.”

The Holy Writer in today’s devotional verses recalls when God gave a message for Israel through Moses after leading them from Egypt toward the Promised Land.  He said to them, “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:4-6)

Three days later Moses assembled Israel at the base of Mt. Sinai as God had instructed.  “There was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.  Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.  Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.  As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.”  (Exodus 19:16-19)

Hebrews 12:26 refers to God’s appearance at Mt. Sinai.  His theophany, His coming into their presence shook up the people.  His holiness, His Divine voice was more than they could tolerate.  They begged God to stop talking and asked Moses to go before God for them. God said to them, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens”. (Hebrews 12:26)  God’s presence destabilized the earth and the mountains.  There was a great earthquake that shook everything and everyone. John Klenig, in his commentary on Hebrews writes, “. . .(God’s) appearance overthrows what is evil and of no lasting worth. . .so that only what is consistent with His righteousness is left standing.”  The second theophany of God “will bring an upheaval as God comes as Judge and Lord at the end of this earth’s existence.  At that time not only will the universe come to an end, but God will come to judge heaven and earth, condemn evil, right what is wrong and vindicate what will last,” says Klenig.

The time is coming near when God will upset the heavens and the earth, He will once again appear.  This appearance will be far greater than the one at Mt. Sinai.  You who are anchored to Jesus and His saving work have nothing to fear.  You cannot be shaken.

Prayer:  O Lord, prepare me daily to be ready for Your great theophany.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Sing with all the saints in glory, Sing the resurrection song!

Death and sorrow, earth’s dark story, To the former days belong.

All around the clouds are breaking; Soon the storms of time shall cease;

In God’s likeness we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace.

Oh, what glory, far exceeding All that eye has yet perceived!

Holiest hearts for ages pleading Never that full joy conceived.

God has promised, Christ prepares it; There on high our welcome waits.

Ev’ry ;humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed the_eternal gates.

Life eternal! Heav’n rejoices:  Jesus lives who once was dead.

Shout with joy, O deathless voices! Chld of God, lift up your head!

Life eternal! Oh, what wonders Crowd on faith; what joy unknown,

When, amid earth’s closing thunders, Saints shall stand before the throne!

(LSB 671)