It seems in the past few months that God has been shaking the kingdoms of this world. By “kingdoms” I’m not necessarily referring to the defined countries of the world but to the kingdoms of self, security, and power. These are realms of the soul; Ideas, hopes, concepts, and principles which we use to build a fortress around our lives. To find meaning, to provide hope, and to shelter us from the storms of life. But they are fragile and like a house of cards, they can collapse with a single breath.
We’ve seen the kingdom of self shaken through the exposure of hidden sin. Consider the thousands of Ashley Madison users that thought their secrets were safe. That they could do whatever they wanted because of the false promise of anonymity. Consider other well-known individuals whose sin has been publicly exposed leading to public ridicule, personal destruction, and loss of employment. Just in the past couple months, we’ve witnessed the implosion of Subway’s squeaky clean spokesman Jared Fogle, continuing revelations concerning Josh Duggar, and the fall of a well-known pastor and Billy Graham’s grandson Tullian Tchividjian. I mention these folks not to increase their shame but to let their circumstances remind us that God will reveal that which is hidden (see Numbers 32:23).
We’ve seen kingdoms of security shaken on many fronts. Weather patterns that are either too dry or too wet threaten crops and property. Uncertainty in the stock markets threatens financial security. We are witnessing times of upheaval and violence which remind us that there is a thin line between physical safety and that which can threaten it. We see the rise of evil on many fronts with little hope of stemming the tide.
We’ve seen kingdoms of power topple because of broken promises, dashed hopes, and corruption. Political power is in upheaval to the point of dysfunction because ideology and greed have trumped integrity. Courts and Councils are increasingly ignoring democratic principles to produce social change. The power that belongs in the hands of the people is slowly being taken over by the “wise” few. Even the church is not immune, its power to provide a wise anchor weakened by scandal and confusion.
But maybe none of those is crucial to you right now because something a lot closer to home is being shaken. Our own world can be shaken even if everything else seems to be ok. Problems and struggles can leave us feeling hopeless and alone. No one seems to notice or even care that you can’t find work, you’ve lost someone near and dear, your marriage is struggling, a chain of sin and addiction refuses to let go, or your kids are off the rails. Consider this, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10, NASB95) When all else is being shaken, when everything else fails, there is one safe place – Jesus Christ. The name above all names (Philippians 2:9-11). The King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14). With a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). I only have one encouragement – when something in your life is being shaken, whether big or small, national or personal, run to Jesus.
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