Understanding Biblical Warnings and the Need for Renewal
Throughout history, church leaders didn’t shy away from giving strong warnings or even tough rebukes. They did this not to discourage people, but to help us grow, change, and become better followers of Christ. Their goal was always our spiritual benefit, even if it meant saying hard things.
Today, though, it seems many in the church have grown comfortable—or even complacent. Instead of striving for a deeper relationship with God, we often settle for a faith that doesn’t challenge us, a life that doesn’t pursue greatness in Christ. There’s a temptation to blend the world’s ways with Christ’s teachings, watering down biblical truth so it’s easier to accept. But this attitude keeps us from experiencing all that God wants for us.
This isn’t a new problem. In fact, the Bible tells us that throughout the ages, God has sometimes had to “shake things up” to get our attention. This idea is summed up in the phrase, “I will shake heaven and earth,” which appears in both the Old and New Testaments.
What Does “I Will Shake Heaven and Earth” Mean?
This phrase comes from two main places in the Bible: Haggai 2:6-7 and Hebrews 12:26-27.
· Haggai 2:6-7: Here, God says He will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, the dry land—even all nations. This isn’t just about earthquakes or disasters. It’s about God stepping in to change the way things are. He’s preparing for something greater—the coming of the “desire of all nations,” a promise of God’s glory being revealed and the world being transformed.
· Hebrews 12:26-27: In the New Testament, this passage quotes Haggai and explains why the shaking happens. It’s not just to cause chaos; it’s to remove what is temporary and unstable. Only what is eternal—God’s unshakable kingdom—will remain.
Why Does God Shake Things Up?
The “shaking” in these verses is both a warning and an act of mercy. It’s a way of getting rid of what’s weak or false in our lives and in the world, so that what’s strong and true can stand firm. Imagine shaking a tree and letting the dead leaves fall away, so only the living branches remain. God’s goal isn’t to destroy, but to purify and renew.
What Does This Mean for Us?
When we get stuck in a spiritual rut, content with a safe and easy faith, we risk missing out on God’s best. Sometimes, God will allow circumstances—or even use the words of bold leaders—to shake us up, wake us up, and draw us back to Him. These moments can be uncomfortable, but they’re meant for our good.
Maybe you feel like your faith has grown stale, or you’ve been trying to fit God into your life instead of making Him your life. The Bible calls us to pay attention when God shakes things up. It’s an invitation to let go of what holds us back and to grab hold of what is eternal and true.
In Summary
God’s shaking isn’t about punishment for its own sake. It’s about renewal, transformation, and growth. Through the ages, whether through church leaders’ warnings or dramatic changes in the world, God has called His people out of complacency and into deeper relationship with Him. Let’s not settle for a watered-down faith—let’s let God’s Spirit shake us free from what’s temporary, so we can cling to what is everlasting.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
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