How Ancient Words Guide Us Toward Unshakable Foundations
Introduction: Prophecy and Change
Change is something we all experience in life. Sometimes, it feels like everything is being turned upside down—like renovating a house or living through an earthquake. In the Bible, prophecy often talks about these big changes, not just as scary events, but as ways to prepare us for something better and more permanent. One phrase that stands out in this context is “Yet once more.” But what does it mean, and why is it important?
Breaking Down ‘Yet Once More’
Imagine you’re remodeling your home. You tear down old walls, rip up the carpets, and get rid of things that aren’t working anymore. It’s messy and a bit unsettling, but necessary to create a stronger, more beautiful space. In the Bible, “Yet once more” is like this process. It’s a promise that there will be one final shake-up—a big change that removes what is temporary and leaves only what is meant to last.
The phrase comes from the book of Haggai in the Old Testament, where God says He will shake the heavens and the earth “yet once more.” Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, this prophecy is quoted again, reminding readers that not everything will survive the shaking. Only the things built on solid ground will remain.
Why Is This Important?
The significance of this prophecy is huge. In Haggai’s time, people were rebuilding their lives and their temple after difficult times. God was telling them that more changes would come, but these changes would lead to something unshakable. In Hebrews, the message is repeated to early Christians, assuring them that even as traditions and rituals fall away, the core of faith—what truly matters—will stand firm.
Just like an earthquake reveals which buildings have strong foundations, these biblical shake-ups show us what parts of our lives are built to last. Temporary practices and traditions may crumble, but deeper truths and lasting principles remain.
What Gets Removed, and What Remains?
Let’s break this down in everyday terms. When the Bible talks about shaking things up, it’s not just about physical destruction. It’s about removing things that don’t have lasting value. Here are some examples:
· Temporary religious practices: These might be customs or rituals that are meaningful in the moment but aren’t the heart of faith. When everything is shaken, only the essence of what we believe will remain.
· Clarified moral truths: Sometimes we hold onto rules or ideas that aren’t truly timeless. When tested, only what is genuinely good and just stands strong.
· The shift in religious foundations: The prophecy hints that religion itself might change—moving away from outward forms to inward, lasting principles like love, faith, and justice.
Things That Can Be Shaken vs. Things That Cannot
Let’s think about what’s temporary and what’s eternal, using the analogy of an earthquake:
· Can be shaken: Traditions, rituals, buildings, status, wealth, opinions, and even some relationships. These are like furniture in a house—they can be moved or removed when times get tough.
· Cannot be shaken: Faith, justice, truth, love, and hope. These are the foundation and structure of the house—they hold everything up, no matter how much shaking happens.
Lasting Principles for Life
So, what does all this mean for us today? It’s a reminder to build our lives on things that last. Just like a wise builder chooses solid materials for the foundation, we should focus on principles that don’t change—faith, justice, and truth. When life feels unsettled, these are the values we can trust. They help us make decisions, treat others well, and find meaning, even when everything else feels uncertain.
If you’ve ever seen a renovated house, you know how much better it looks and feels once the work is done. The same is true for our lives. The process might be uncomfortable, but the end result is a stronger, more beautiful life built on what matters most.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unshakable
Biblical prophecy, especially the phrase “Yet once more,” isn’t just about dramatic events or religious predictions. It’s a message of hope and encouragement. Yes, there will be times of upheaval, but they are opportunities to strip away what’s temporary and focus on what’s eternal. By building on the unshakable foundation of faith, justice, and truth, we prepare ourselves for lasting change—and an unshakable life.
So, no matter what shakes your world, remember: the most important things will remain. And that is a promise worth holding onto.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 