Understanding God’s Power and Promise in the Bible
When people hear the phrase “The Supreme Ruler, the shaker of heaven and earth,” it sounds mysterious or intimidating. But this title, rooted in the Bible, describes God’s incredible power and His deep involvement in history—both past and future. This post explains what this idea means. It explores where it comes from in the Bible. It also reveals why it matters for everyday people.
What Does “The Shaker of Heaven and Earth” Mean?
At its core, calling God “the shaker of heaven and earth” means He’s in charge of everything—absolutely everything. Not just the earth—the whole universe. The title highlights God’s ability to move, change, and reshape what seems unchangeable. It’s not about random destruction or chaos. It’s about God using His power and authority to bring about important changes in the world. Sometimes He shakes things up so something better, His eternal kingdom, can be revealed.
This phrase is especially important in two places in the Bible. The first is the Old Testament book of Haggai. The second is the New Testament book of Hebrews. Let’s see what these passages say, and why Christians believe this matters.
Biblical Context: Haggai and Hebrews
Haggai 2:6-9 — Shaking for a Greater Glory
The book of Haggai was written to encourage God’s people. It was a time when they were rebuilding their temple. This task felt overwhelming. It was a little disappointing compared to the glorious temple King Solomon had built centuries before. People were discouraged; it felt like their work wasn’t as impressive, and they were worried about their future.
Here, God—through Haggai—promises something amazing. He says, “In a little while I will shake the heavens and the earth.” But He’s not talking about a destructive earthquake. Instead, He means that the old ways, the old kingdoms, and the old sources of pride will be pushed aside. What will be revealed is something much greater: God’s own glory and peace filling this new temple. In other words, the shaking isn’t just about removing what’s temporary—it’s about making room for what really matters.
God wants His people to know this. Even if they don’t have gold, silver, or the resources others had, He’s pleased with their efforts. They please Him when they do the best they can in His service. God promises His presence, His Spirit, and eventually, the coming of the Messiah—the “Desire of all nations”—who will bless everyone.
Hebrews 12:26-27 — Shaking for an Unshakeable Kingdom
Fast forward to the New Testament. The book of Hebrews picks up Haggai’s message and applies it to the big picture of God’s plan. The author quotes God saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This is interpreted as a final, definitive shaking—a future event when God will intervene powerfully in the world.
The idea is that God will remove everything that’s imperfect, temporary, or sinful. Only what is lasting, good, and eternal will remain. This “unshakeable kingdom” is God’s own kingdom, established through Jesus Christ, that will never be disturbed or destroyed.
God’s Sovereignty: Why Is This Important?
“Sovereignty” is a fancy word that means “ultimate control” or “final authority.” The Bible describes God as the shaker of heaven and earth. This teaches that He’s not just one power among many. Instead, He is the only true Supreme Ruler over all creation and history. Earthly empires rise and fall, but God’s reign is forever.
God shakes the heavens and the earth to show His power. He means that, no matter what happens in the world, God can change everything in an instant. No matter how powerful governments or systems seem, they are reliant on His will. He overthrows what’s temporary and establishes what lasts. This gives believers hope and courage, no matter what they’re facing.
Significance for Everyday Life
Apocalyptic Future: God’s Intervention
Many people, when they hear “apocalypse,” think of disaster movies or the end of the world. But in the Bible, “apocalypse” actually means “revelation”—an unveiling of what’s really happening behind the scenes. The idea of God shaking the heavens and earth suggests a future time. During this time, He will dramatically step in. He will set things right.
For Christians, this isn’t just about fear or doom. It’s about God’s promise to fix what’s broken and remove injustice. It’s also about establishing a kingdom that can never be shaken—a place of peace, justice, and joy.
Establishing God’s Eternal Kingdom
All the shaking described in Haggai and Hebrews leads to one goal: the establishment of God’s kingdom. This kingdom isn’t a country you can point to on a map. It’s God’s rule in the hearts and lives of people who trust Him. It’s eternal, meaning it will last forever, and it’s unshakeable—nothing can destroy it.
The message for believers is clear. If you belong to God’s kingdom, you have a security. You have a hope that nothing in this world can take away. Wars, disasters, political turmoil—none of these can shake the foundation God provides.
A Call to Faithfulness
Understanding God as the shaker of heaven and earth also serves as a call to faithfulness. It’s a reminder to stay committed to God, even when life is uncertain or difficult. The Bible’s message isn’t “Do your best or else,” but “God is with you, so don’t give up.” Even when you feel you have little to offer, God values your sincere efforts and promises His presence.
Believers are encouraged to worship God with “reverence and godly fear”—meaning respect, awe, and genuine devotion. Only by God’s grace can people serve Him properly. The good news is that God is consistent and faithful; He never changes, and His promises are secure.
Breaking Down the Meaning with Simple Examples
Imagine you’re building something—a home, a project, even a relationship. Sometimes, things fall apart or change unexpectedly. It’s easy to get discouraged. This feeling intensifies when you compare what you’re doing to what others have done. It also happens when you think about what you wish you do. But the message in Haggai is clear. God doesn’t measure your work by size or glamour. He looks at your heart. He values your faithfulness. He appreciates your willingness to keep going.
Now imagine a global shake-up—not just in your life, but in everything around you. Governments change, economies rise and fall, even the earth itself seems unstable. The biblical image of God shaking heaven and earth offers a promise. Even when everything changes, there’s something secure and lasting in God’s kingdom.
And the best part? You don’t have to earn a place in that kingdom through perfection or power. God’s promise is open to all who trust Him.
Encouragement from Haggai and Hebrews
Both books encourage people facing tough times. In Haggai, the message is: Don’t give up! God is with you, even if your work looks small. His presence makes everything worthwhile, and the future holds even greater glory—because of Jesus, the Messiah.
In Hebrews, the message is similar but broader: God’s final “shaking” will remove what’s temporary and leave what matters. Believers are called not to refuse God’s gracious invitation, but to accept His mercy and live with confidence and hope.
Final Thoughts: What Should We Do?
If you’re reading this and wondering, “What does this mean for me?” here’s the takeaway:
· Trust that God is in control, even when life feels unstable.
· Stay faithful in what you’re doing, no matter how small it seems. God sees and values your effort and heart.
· Look forward with hope. God’s promise is that His kingdom will last forever. It is marked by peace, justice, and joy. You’re invited to be part of it.
· Respond to God’s grace with humility and worship, knowing He’s both supremely powerful and deeply loving.
All the “shaking” described in the Bible isn’t about fear. It’s about God’s loving intervention. This intervention removes what’s broken and reveals what’s truly good, lasting, and beautiful. The Supreme Ruler is not distant. He is not unapproachable. He’s with His people. He offers encouragement, peace, and a future that can’t be shaken.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 