by Jordyn van Gaalen

Let Us Be Thankful

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“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.'”
Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV

We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. The fears and uncertainty of this current life will fade. We have confidence in the life to come. We can lean into this promise when fears arise and trouble knocks at our door and our courage has seemed to fail us. When we see no light at the end of the tunnel, we know the hope we have and cling to. Rather than fixating on the problems we face in this world, we can be kingdom focused. 

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”
John 14:2 NIV

Even in the most dire of circumstances, we can cling to this in hope.

As a result of this hope and promise, our hearts turn to worshipping God with reverence and awe. This means in deep respect and with a feeling of wonder as we praise our Father for who He is and what He has done for us. 

God desires intimacy with us. He wants a relationship with us. This calls for time together and communication. It asks that we honor God in all we do. We acknowledge His mightiness but know that Jesus created a bridge in which we can come directly to Him. Though we need not fear Him, we still ought to come to Him with a posture of reverence and awe. 

Rather than going through the motions as we praise and worship our Savior, let us remember who God is. 

“To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
Exodus 24:17 NIV

The Lord our God is a consuming fire. He is filled with might and power. His glory is unfathomable. He is Almighty and Everlasting. He is righteous and He is present. His holiness, His splendor, His goodness are worth reflecting on and reveling in. 

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado