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Daily Devotion: Hebrews 12:27-29

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Hebrews 12:27-29    "And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.  (28)  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  (29)  For our God is a consuming fire."

Why is it necessary to be shaken at times?  Do you find your life becoming cluttered with things that really don't matter?  Do you find that your mind sometimes will not settle; which makes it difficult to concentrate on the most important things? Do you find at that moment that the most important thing has been shifted to the side in order to make room for the clutter? Please don't tell me that I'm the only one that ever experiences this in my life.

When this happens, God is able, and oftentimes will, shake that which clutters our lives. He is able to bring us to the place where we realize we have allowed ourselves to get caught up with things that only weigh us down. Remember how this 12th chapter began? Let's refresh our memories. The writer began by saying, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)  "Let us lay aside every weight... which... so easily besets us."  That is a conscious effort on our part; but, sometimes it seems things come roaring at us and we cannot lay it aside as quick as we should. As a result, we are hindered from the course which the Lord has laid down for us.

Why is it important for us to do lay these things aside? Through Jesus Christ, you and I have received "a kingdom which cannot be moved." The Holy Spirit within us has brought us to life in Christ Jesus and gives us access into this kingdom of God wherein we can find that which is right (righteousness) and in doing those things that are right, we find peace. And while that peace takes over our minds (where once the clutter occupied) we are rejoined with joy that the world has robbed from us.  Oh wow, "righteousness, peace, and joy" because the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) is in us! Where have we heard that before?  "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)  

Yes!  You and I, as blood bought children of God, can experience the Kingdom of Heaven (Kingdom of God) right now. But that kingdom does not consist of the clutter of this world. It does not consist of things we hold in our hands, or things that fill our bellies, or any goodness of our own. The kingdom of God (Kingdom of Heaven) is found only through the KING of kings and LORD of lords: our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Yes, "Our God is a consuming fire" in order to consume, or shake off, those things that clutter our lives and detract from our fellowship with Him. Enjoy this great blessing!

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