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Hebrews 12:28 “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement.” I cannot think of many people who do not want wisdom or do not want to have good judgement.

With everything happening in Aotearoa at the moment – floods, cyclone, earthquake, resulting in economic stress – we can think ourselves on shaky foundations. In fact, Scripture speaks a lot about the earth shaking and flooding. So, what will give us an unshakable hope or immovable faith? Surely the verse in Hebrews does that. It is probably best to read Hebrews 12:18-29 to get a clearer picture. Our reading in Hebrews is a strong indication that God’s Kingdom is not of this world. We have not received yet, but we will be on the receiving end of this unshakable Kingdom. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).

This is an eschatological hope for a better life. And since that is our inheritance, we can be thankful. Out of our grateful hearts, Paul encourages us to worship God. A grateful heart is a worshipping heart. What will this worship look like? It will show that we are in awe and reverence of Almighty God, El Shaddai. It will show that we don’t take God or His Word lightly. It pleases God when we worship him with holy fear and awe. 

Spending our lives getting to know God and His will for our lives, bring us to living in awe and reverence of Him. God is holy and the fear of God is respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshiping Him in awe. “Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement.” Knowledge of God the Father, who is holy in his nature and his works. Knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. Knowledge of the Holy Spirit, our Counsellor, who will show us the Truth.

Do not be swayed by the things you can see. Seek first God’s kingdom and a deeper understanding of our Creator, our Father, which will result in sound thinking and better living. Then you will experience a steadying of the ground beneath your feet. Forever trusting in God’s Unshakable Kingdom.