Verse of the Day for Sunday, November 26, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, November 26, 2023

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

The word therefore connects the previous discourse about the contrast between the two mountains, Sinai and Zion, to the exhortation in this verse. It reminds the reader that, unlike the trembling Israelites at Mount Sinai, believers in Christ have been granted access to a spiritual and eternal kingdom—one that remains unshakeable in the midst of life's uncertainties and trials.

The phrase receiving a kingdom emphasizes a present and ongoing experience. It's not just a future promise but a reality believers participate in now, rooted in Christ's reign. This kingdom is characterized by its stability (cannot be shaken), contrasting the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and institutions.

Given this immense privilege, the author's exhortation is twofold: to be thankful" and to worship God acceptably. Gratitude is the natural response to God's generosity, and it forms the basis for genuine worship. This worship is not merely a ritual or an outward display but is to be done with reverence and awe. The Greek term for reverence can also be translated as piety, and awe can be understood as godly fear. Together, they reflect a deep respect and honor for the holy and almighty nature of God.

In a world filled with changing circumstances, hardships, and various challenges, Hebrews 12:28 serves as a reminder of the eternal, steadfast nature of God's kingdom. It calls believers to a heart of gratitude, urging them to express their thankfulness through sincere and respectful worship, rooted in the awe-inspiring nature of God.

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The Letter to the Hebrews offers rich theological insight and exhortation for believers, specifically Jewish believers, regarding the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus Christ in the context of the old covenant. Chapter 12, in particular, encourages believers to endure hardship and discipline, drawing comparisons between the challenges faced by Old Testament figures and those faced by Christians. It emphasizes the importance of faith and highlights the difference between the earthly Mount Sinai and the heavenly Mount Zion. As this chapter nears its close, verse 28 provides a profound call to worship and gratitude in response to the privilege of being part of God's unshakeable kingdom.