A simple reflection on Hebrews 12:26–29
“Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” — Hebrews 12:26
Hebrews 12 speaks about two great shakings. The first happened at Mount Sinai, when God gave His law and the mountain shook (Exodus 19:18). The second shaking is still to come. It will happen when the Lord brings the present order to an end and makes all things new.
This message is serious, but it also gives believers great hope. Everything temporary may be shaken, but God and His kingdom will remain forever.
A Final and Complete Shaking
God says He will shake creation “once more” (Hebrews 12:26–27). This will be the final shaking. It will remove everything that is temporary, damaged by sin, or unable to remain in God’s holy presence.
The shaking will reach both earth and the visible heavens. Jesus spoke of the powers of the heavens being shaken before His return (Matthew 24:29–30). Isaiah also described the earth trembling under God’s judgment (Isaiah 24:18–20).
These passages remind us that human strength cannot save us. Wealth, governments, institutions, and earthly security will not last forever. Only what belongs to God’s eternal purpose will remain.
A Glorious New Beginning
The final shaking is not the end of hope. God promises a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1–5). He will remove sin, sorrow, death, and everything that separates creation from His perfect will.
The picture may seem dark at first, but the future of God’s people is bright. After the shaking comes lasting peace, joy, holiness, and rest in God’s presence.
We Are Receiving an Unshakable Kingdom
Hebrews gives us this wonderful promise: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful” (Hebrews 12:28). Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is eternal. No enemy can defeat it, no crisis can weaken it, and no disaster can destroy it.
Through faith in Christ, believers are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16–17). Jesus has made His people “a kingdom and priests” to serve God (Revelation 1:5–6). This is not a reason for pride. It is a call to live in a way that honors Him.
How Should We Live?
Because we belong to an unshakable kingdom, our lives should be shaped by gratitude, service, reverence, and hope.
- Be thankful. Our future is secure in Christ, even when the world feels uncertain (Hebrews 12:28).
- Serve God with your whole life. Offer yourself to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
- Live to please God. We do not serve to earn salvation. We serve because we have received grace and forgiveness (Ephesians 2:8–10).
- Worship with reverence. God is loving and merciful, but He is also holy (Hebrews 12:28–29).
- Hold firmly to grace. Stay close to Jesus, who gives strength and hope for every day (Hebrews 4:16).
Hold On to What Lasts
When life is shaken, we often discover what we have been trusting. God lovingly calls us to loosen our grip on temporary things and hold tightly to Christ.
Do not let uncertainty fill you with fear. Let it turn your heart toward God. His promises are sure, His grace is enough, and His kingdom cannot be moved.
Prayer: Lord, help us trust You when the world feels unstable. Teach us to be thankful, to serve You faithfully, and to worship You with reverence. Keep our hearts grounded in Your grace and focused on Your eternal kingdom. Amen.Minister A Francine Green, October 2026