For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
That old saying, “The only thing certain in life is uncertainty” is a universal truth concerning life under the sun. We all know the pain of losing the things which matter to us. Never is this pain more acute than when we lose the people we love most. Some people suffer loss far more often than others. This truth can, and often does, have a heavy impact on our faith. We must maintain our eternal focus if we are to endure the losses so common to life on earth.
As the Hebrews writer concluded his encouragement to steadfastness, he turned his readers’ attention toward “…a kingdom which cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). The unshakable nature of this kingdom provides the motivation we need to press on despite difficulty in this life. If we do not know our foundation will stand, we will falter while building our lives upon it. The writer spent almost ten full chapters reminding these Jewish Christians of Jesus’ supremacy over everything in Judaism. This reminder is pivotal to our continuation in faithful service to God. The truths about Jesus’ death, resurrection, atoning blood, High Priestly service on our behalf, etc. serve to remind us that present, temporal distress pales in comparison to the eternal glory He will give us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).
Though we cannot look at all the many passages demanding we fix our eyes on the eternal, we consider just a sampling. In Hebrews 1:10-12, the writer quotes Psalm 102:25-27 regarding the fleeting nature of this physical universe saying these things were like a garment that was wearing out, and He would roll them up like a scroll. As for humanity, ‘“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you” (1 Peter 1:24-25).
Realizing then that “…you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14), we are to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21). Far too often we try to build our hopes on earthly things, but the implication is clear that all these will fade away. The Hebrews writer intertwined warnings, assurances, and directives when he said God, “whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:26-28). If you want something certain, rest your hopes in the Lord who is “…the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). His faithfulness provides eternal hope which is “…an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:19). Are you receiving the unshakable kingdom today? If not, why not?