January 27: A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken
Hebrews 12:28 (ESV)
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”
Read The Full Devotional Below.
Imagine a man who spends his life building a house—not just any house, but one that’s perched high on a stunning cliffside overlooking the ocean. The foundation seems solid, the view is spectacular, and every visitor marvels at its beauty. But what no one sees are the fractures forming beneath the surface. One day, a storm rolls in—a tempest unlike any the cliffside has seen before. The rain pounds, the wind howls, and suddenly, with one deafening crack, the foundation gives way, and the house is lost to the raging sea.
What do you build your life on? That’s the question that Hebrews 12:28 presses into our hearts: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (ESV). Today, we’re going to explore this verse through the lens of a modern-day parable that reminds us where true stability lies. But first, let’s look closer at what it means to be part of God’s unshakable kingdom.
The City of Steel and the City of Sand
There were two cities. The first, called the City of Steel, was built on an unyielding bedrock that stretched deep into the earth. Its architects designed every structure with the knowledge that storms would come, earthquakes would rumble, and winds would batter against the walls. But they had confidence in their foundation. When storms came, the city stood firm, and the people within it were safe.
The second city was called the City of Sand. Its builders were mesmerized by the wide-open spaces and the beautiful beaches. The sand was soft and easy to build on, and the work progressed quickly. Visitors came in droves, marveling at its glittering towers and colorful markets. The city thrived—until the storms came. The sand shifted under the weight of the water, and one by one, the buildings began to collapse. What had seemed so stable turned out to be nothing more than an illusion.
One day, a traveler came to these two cities. Standing in the ruins of the City of Sand, he asked the people, “Why did you build here when you knew the storms would come?” They replied, “We thought it would be fine. The sun always shone, and the sand was so soft beneath our feet. We never imagined it would all fall apart so quickly.”
Then the traveler journeyed to the City of Steel. There, he found homes intact, families safe, and people worshiping together despite the storms that had passed. He asked them, “How is it that you stand firm when others fall?” They replied, “Our city was built on a foundation that cannot be shaken. It’s not the beauty of the structures that saves us; it’s the strength of what lies beneath.”
A closer look Hebrews 12:28
Hebrews 12:28 reminds us of a critical truth: the kingdom of God is unshakable. The context of this passage takes us back to Mount Sinai, where God’s voice shook the earth as He gave the law. But now, through Jesus, we belong to a kingdom far greater than anything experienced at Sinai. This is a kingdom established by Christ’s finished work on the cross, where the foundation is not our effort but God’s unchanging promise.
The phrase “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” reflects the eternal nature of God’s reign. Everything in this world is subject to decay, instability, and destruction. We’ve seen it in natural disasters, economic collapses, and personal crises. But the kingdom of God is different. It’s not built on the sand of human achievement or material wealth; it’s built on the bedrock of Christ’s eternal rule.
This verse also calls us to respond with gratitude and worship. Why? Because being part of God’s kingdom is not something we earned; it’s a gift. And the only proper response to such a gift is a life lived in awe and reverence of the One who made it possible.
The Two Cities
The City of Sand represents the life built on anything other than Christ. It could be wealth, relationships, career success, or even self-reliance. These things may appear stable and satisfying for a time, but when life’s storms come—and they will come—they crumble under the weight of uncertainty and fear.
The City of Steel, on the other hand, represents the life built on God’s unshakable kingdom. This doesn’t mean the storms don’t come; it means that when they do, the foundation holds firm. Why? Because it’s anchored in the eternal promises of God. His kingdom is not dependent on circumstances, human effort, or fleeting emotions. It stands because He stands.
Building Your Life on the Unshakable Kingdom
How do we live as citizens of the unshakable kingdom? Here are three practical steps:
Evaluate Your Foundation Take a moment to honestly reflect on what you’re building your life upon. Are you relying on things that will eventually pass away, or are you rooted in Christ? Jesus said it best in Matthew 7:24-27, where He compared the wise man who built his house on the rock to the foolish man who built on the sand. Consider where your security truly lies.
Embrace Gratitude Hebrews 12:28 calls us to “be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what is temporary to what is eternal. Start a daily practice of thanking God for the unshakable foundation He provides through Christ. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to fear and instability.
Live with Reverence and Awe Worship isn’t just about singing on Sundays; it’s about living every moment in recognition of God’s greatness. Let your decisions, relationships, and priorities reflect a heart that reveres God. When we live with awe of Him, we are less likely to be swayed by the shifting sands of the world.
Choosing the Unshakable
There will always be a part of us tempted to settle for the City of Sand. The bright lights, the ease of the soft ground, the applause of the crowds—it all feels so enticing. But here’s the truth: storms are coming. The winds will rise, the rains will fall, and the foundations of our lives will be tested. What will remain when the storm passes?
The unshakable kingdom of God is not just a theological concept; it’s a living reality that anchors us in hope, purpose, and peace. And it’s available to us because of Jesus—the one who endured the ultimate storm of the cross so that we could stand firm in Him.
Let me ask you: Which city are you building in today? Are you trusting in the sand that shifts with the tides, or are you rooted in the bedrock of God’s kingdom? The storms will come, but in Christ, we have a foundation that will never fail.
Let’s Close in a Prayer…
Father, thank You for the gift of Your unshakable kingdom. Help us to build our lives on the foundation of Your truth, to trust in Your promises, and to worship You with hearts full of gratitude. When the storms of life come, remind us that our security is in You and You alone. We offer our lives to You in reverence and awe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
An Invitation to go Deeper….
As you go about your day, remember this: You are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Live boldly, love deeply, and stand firm in the grace of God. And if you haven’t yet joined the FaithLabz 30-Day Prayer Challenge, now is the perfect time to start. Let’s walk this journey together, leaning into the power of His blood and the promise of His love.
