Hebrews 12:25-29

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.  At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”  This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.  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, for our God is a consuming fire.

The revelation the children of Israel were given and the judgments they faced all pale in comparison to what we have been given.  The principle of to whom much is given much is required certainly applies to us.  We have received far greater revelation than the children of Israel.  We have received promises that are far more valuable than the promises they received.  For those reasons, the consequences we face are far more serious.  

WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A SUPERIOR WARNING: The children of Israel were given a warning on earth that was given through Moses.  The voice that they heard shook the earth and they were terrified.  Unfortunately, they soon forgot the warning and suffered the consequences of their rebellion.  We have been given a warning from heaven through the Lord Jesus Christ.  This is the last and final warning given to all of humanity that must be heard and obeyed.  This warning to only shakes the earth but the heavens as well.  Just as the warning is superior so will the consequences of ignoring it or rebelling against it will be far more grave.  All that is temporary will be swept away in this permanent judgment of God.  The warning is clear and must be heeded. 

WE HAVE BEEN GIFTED A SUPERIOR WORSHIP: After the judgment of God, all that will remain on the New Earth will be that which is eternal, and it cannot be shaken and will never be removed.  This should cause a deep sense of hope and gratitude in the life of every believer.  This gratitude should inspire worship that is filled with reverence and awe.  Too often our worship is flippant and presuming.  God has graciously rescued us from eternal condemnation through the Lord Jesus Christ.  We must not take this for granted and respond with love and a burning desire to please the Lord.  He is an all-consuming fire and demands that our affections be stirred towards Him with and all-consuming love.

APPLICATION: Listen carefully and believe the warnings we have been given from the Lord and from Scripture.  Faithfully proclaim those warnings to all in our influence and share with them the Good News of the Gospel.  Thank the Lord for His promises and grace and worship Him with our thoughts, words, deeds, and motives.  Live to love and please HIM.

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