And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. — Hebrews 12:26-27
In 1957, while making his debut on the Steve Allen Show, a little known singer by the name of Jerry Lee Lewis sang, “A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” that helped the budding young rock singer to become a later rock legend. Just two years later, building on the continuing popularity of the hit, another little known rock singer, by the name of Richard Wayne Penniman, aka “Little Richard,” gained his fame when he released the same song on one of his early albums. Out of respect to your sensibilities, I won’t review the lyrics here but suffice it to say that they were an invitation to “party”—big time!
Little Richard was born again as a youth. After several years of performing he returned to his faith and roots and became an ordained minister and used his musical gift as an evangelist. He died in May of this year at age 87. Jerry Lee Lewis? Well, he’s still with us at last report, and is working on his seventh marriage at age 85. Pray for the man!
In this scripture from the book of Hebrews, the writer reminds the Jews of their early history. When God first gave them His word on Mt. Sinai, it was accompanied by a shaking so severe that the people at the base of the mountain became terrified and thought they were going to die (Exodus 19:16-25). The Lord got their attention. Using that event as an example, He warns believers that there would be a time in the future when God was going to shake things up again—not only on the earth but in the heavens, as well. Are we there yet?
The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept suddenly over our planet has brought terror and fear, as well as uncovering the compromises of the church unlike anything we have ever seen. Current predictions are that 1 out of 5 churches may not survive to the end of the year and up to one-third of nonprofits, including those that are Christian, could shut their doors. Some are guilty of their own hypocrisies and improprieties that have already been exposed in scandal. Is God separating the wheat from the chaff?
The Lord said He would bring another shaking and it would be so severe, all that would remain after it’s all over will be a church that is pure and holy—never to be shaken again. Since the church is people—that would be you and me. I plan to get things in order right now, my friends, how about you? Maranatha!
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me
along the path of everlasting life. — Psalm 139:23-24
To help us walk closer with God and to know Him better
