A simple reflection on Haggai 2:6, Hebrews 12:26, and God’s unshakable kingdom
Introduction: When God Shakes What Cannot Last
The words “Once more I will shake the earth and the heavens” come from Haggai 2:6 and are repeated in Hebrews 12:26. At first, they may sound frightening. But in simple terms, these verses remind us that God is in control, even when life feels unstable. God can shake what is temporary so that what is eternal becomes clear.
We all know what it feels like when life gets shaken. Plans change. People disappoint us. Money, health, relationships, nations, and systems can all feel uncertain. But the Bible teaches that there is something that cannot be shaken: God’s kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).
The Setting in Haggai: A Discouraged People Rebuilding
Haggai spoke to the people of Judah after they returned from exile. They had come back to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the temple. But the work was hard, and many felt discouraged. Some remembered Solomon’s temple, which had been grand and beautiful, and they felt like their new temple looked small in comparison (Haggai 2:3).
God encouraged them through Haggai: “Be strong… and work. For I am with you” (Haggai 2:4). That is an important message for us too. God is pleased when we faithfully do what we can, even if what we are building looks smaller than what someone else built.
Then God said, “In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land” (Haggai 2:6). In other words, God was telling His people, “Do not judge the future by what you see right now. I am still working. I will move in a way that shows My glory.”
What Does the Shaking Mean?
In plain language, God’s “shaking” means He has the power to disturb, expose, rearrange, and remove what is temporary. He can shake nations, systems, pride, idols, and false security. But He does not shake things without purpose. His shaking clears the way for His will, His glory, and His kingdom.
Sometimes God allows things to be shaken so we can see what we have been trusting. If our hope is only in money, comfort, reputation, control, or human strength, shaking reveals how fragile those things are. But if our hope is in God, shaking can deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him.
The Promise of Greater Glory
God told the people that the glory of the later temple would be greater than the former one (Haggai 2:9). This was surprising because their temple did not look as impressive as Solomon’s. But God’s glory was never only about gold, silver, or outward beauty. God said, “The silver is mine and the gold is mine” (Haggai 2:8).
The greater glory pointed beyond the building itself. Christians see this fulfilled most fully in Jesus Christ. Jesus came as the true presence of God among His people. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus is the greater glory, the true temple, and the One through whom God brings peace (John 2:19–21; Haggai 2:9).
Hebrews 12: God’s Unshakable Kingdom
Hebrews 12:26 quotes Haggai and gives the message a wider meaning: “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The next verse explains that this shaking removes what can be shaken so that what cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:27). Then comes the good news: believers are receiving “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).
This means God’s kingdom is different from everything else. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall. Economies shift. Leaders change. Human strength fades. But God’s kingdom remains. His truth remains. His promises remain. His Son remains King forever (Daniel 2:44; Luke 1:32–33).
Why This Matters in Everyday Life
When life is shaken, it can feel like everything is falling apart. But sometimes shaking helps us see what really matters. It can wake us up, humble us, and bring us back to God. It can remind us not to hold temporary things too tightly.
Jesus said not to store up treasures only on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). That does not mean earthly responsibilities do not matter. It means we should not build our whole identity on things that cannot last.
What Should We Do When Things Are Shaken?
- Hold on to God. Psalm 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
- Examine your foundation. Ask yourself, “What am I really trusting in?”
- Keep serving faithfully. Like the people in Haggai’s day, keep building even when the work feels small (Haggai 2:4).
- Worship with reverence. Hebrews 12:28 says we should respond with thankfulness and worship God with reverence and awe.
- Trust the kingdom that cannot be shaken. What belongs to God will last.
The Hope Behind the Shaking
God’s shaking is not meant to leave His people hopeless. It is meant to point us to what is secure. Joel 3:16 says the heavens and earth will tremble, but the Lord will be a refuge for His people. That is the heart of the message: even when everything around us trembles, God remains a safe place.
The final hope of Scripture is not destruction but renewal. God will remove what is broken, sinful, and temporary, and He will bring the fullness of His kingdom. Revelation 21:1–5 speaks of a new heaven, a new earth, and God making all things new.
Conclusion: Build on What Cannot Be Shaken
“Once more I will shake the earth and the heavens” is a reminder that God is sovereign over everything. He can shake what is temporary, expose what is weak, and make room for what is eternal. But for those who belong to Him, this message is not only a warning; it is also a comfort.
When your life feels shaken, do not lose heart. Build on Christ. Trust God’s Word. Serve faithfully with what you have. Worship with gratitude and reverence. The kingdoms of this world may tremble, but the kingdom of God cannot be shaken.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026