What does "shakes the earth" reveal about God's sovereignty and authority? Key Verse “His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.’” Seeing the Phrase “Shakes the Earth” • The imagery flows from Sinai (Exodus 19:18), through prophetic warnings (Haggai 2:6, Isaiah 13:13), to this New Testament reminder. • Each occurrence ties a physical shaking to God’s direct intervention in human history. What Earth-Shaking Tells Us about God’s Sovereignty • Absolute Control: – Only the Creator can disturb creation at will (Psalm 97:4–5; Nahum 1:5). – Earthquakes are not random; they are subject to His command. • Supreme Authority over Nations: – Haggai 2:7 “I will shake all nations” shows political powers rise and fall on His timetable. – Acts 17:26 affirms He “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” • Moral Governance: – Shaking often accompanies judgment (Isaiah 24:18-20), signaling that sin does not go unnoticed. – It also precedes renewal—the same passage in Haggai promises glory for the rebuilt temple. Why the Author of Hebrews Cites the Shaking • Contrast of Covenants: – Sinai’s quake introduced the Law; the coming universal quake ushers in an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). • Call to Reverent Worship: – “Therefore, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (v. 28). – Sovereignty demands a response, not mere observation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Steadfast Hope: – When the ground seems to move—politically, socially, personally—we belong to what “cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:27-28). • Humble Obedience: – The God who rattles mountains also addresses hearts; ignoring His voice is more perilous than any quake (Hebrews 12:25). • Eager Anticipation: – Future shaking is not merely destructive; it clears away the temporary so that eternal realities remain—encouraging perseverance (2 Peter 3:10-13). |
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