“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…” Hebrews 12:28
The earth shook at Mount Sinai during Jesus’ crucifixion. The earth and heaven will shake in the latter days. But the kingdom of God will not be shaken, for it will endure throughout all eternity.
Christians may speak about the kingdom of God in a variety of ways. First, God rules the universe and everything in it, including the affairs of humanity. Second, we also use the phrase “kingdom of God” to refer to the time after the resurrection of the dead when God rules without opposition.
We give thanks to God for His powerful rule over all the world, and we pray for the advent of His glorious victory on the Last Day. But when the Bible refers to the “kingdom of God,” it usually has a different definition in mind. As Jeffrey Gibbs explains for the Gospel according to Matthew, the kingdom of God is typically understood as God’s righteous reign. “To speak of a “reign” … is to imply that a king is present to reign. To say that “the reign of God is near”, implies then that the God of heaven has come down to reign, to perform his kingly deeds. Thus, the reign of God is not primarily a place. Rather, it is a divine action that occurs through Jesus’ words and deeds. And His subjects are a group of people identified as those who believe in God’s reign in Jesus Christ.
“Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” is possible only through grace in Christ, directed only to the triune God, and conducted with respectful wonder. Acceptable worship is not frivolous, nonchalant, or trivial. God’s presence calls for serious hearing, genuine repentance, and extraordinary joy.
The Son of God’s speaking and presence are the center of worship. When God the Son spoke the Law, His people were terrified. But His sprinkled blood speaks better things to us … forgiveness, life, and salvation. Bask in the joy of His love as you worship Him.
God’s blessings on your day…