Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
27 “This means that the things on earth will be shaken, so that only eternal things will be left. 28 Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please GOD by worshiping HIM with holy fear and awe. 29 For our GOD is a consuming fire.” ~ Hebrews 12:27-29
Eventually this world will crumble, and only GOD’s Kingdom will last. Those who follow Christ are part of this unshakable Kingdom, and they will withstand the shaking, sifting, and burning. When we feel unsure about the future, we can take confidence from these verses. No matter what happens here, our future is built on a solid foundation that cannot be destroyed. Do not put your confidence in what will be destroyed; instead, build your life on Christ and His unshakable Kingdom. – 24 “Anyone who listens to My teaching and obeys Me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it will not collapse, because it is built on rock. 26 But anyone who hears My teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27 – Like a house of cards, the fool’s life crumbles. Most people do not deliberately seek to build on a false or inferior foundation; instead, they just do not think about their life’s purpose. Many people are headed for destruction, not out of stubbornness but out of thoughtlessness. Part of our responsibility as believers is to help others stop and think about where their lives are headed and to point out the consequences of ignoring Christ’s message.
There is a big difference between the flame of a candle and the roaring blast of a forest fire. We cannot even stand near a raging fire. Even with sophisticated firefighting equipment, a consuming fire is often beyond human control. GOD is not within our control either. We cannot force HIM to do anything for us through our prayers. HE cannot be contained. Yet, HE is a GOD of compassion. HE has saved us from sin, and HE will save us from death. But everything that is worthless and sinful will be consumed by the fire of HIS wrath. Only what is good, dedicated to GOD, and righteous will remain.
Oh Father GOD, so many people are headed for destruction – and they do not even know it. They do not deliberately seek this outcome for their life, they just do not think about their purpose in this life, nor the end results. Father GOD, it is our responsibility as believers to help those who are thoughtless to stop and think about where their lives are headed and to point out the consequences of ignoring Christ. Help us LORD, to turn these lives around from destruction to the eternal unshakable Kingdom that waits for each of us who believe.
Father GOD, YOU are a compassionate GOD. YOU have saved each of us from sin and YOU will save us from death. We know that everything that is worthless and sinful will be consumed by the fire of YOUR wrath. Only what is good, dedicated to YOU, and righteous will remain. Help us as harvesters to bring in the harvest of our loved ones and the world. In Jesus Name!
Photo: Tahoe City (California)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
