October 25 | Hebrews 12: 14-29

Michael Guastella
Oct 24
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The Solid Rock

By Michael Guastella

If you’re anything like me, the heaviness of the world around us is a lot to handle, sometimes. The “doom scrolling” on social media apps, the news, the gloom of it all can be consuming, if we are not careful. But this passage in Hebrews reminds us that God’s kingdom stands firm while everything else is shaking.

The contrast between the “shaking” of the world around us and the steadiness of God’s kingdom is magnificent. The passage presents this to us with the dichotomy of Mount Sinai (fearful and earthly) with Mount Zion (joyful and heavenly), urging us to pursue holiness, peace, and gratitude. We are challenged to run towards harmony and purity in pursuit of glimpsing God's presence. We are reminded that, in Christ, joy replaces fear and our path to God is opened up and repaired.

Yet, the warnings of ignoring God’s voice are just as clear. “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens,” it says. God promises us here that He will, one day, remove everything that is temporary, leaving only what’s eternal. For now, we are reminded that when things in our lives start shaking, it is not a sign of God’s absence. Rather, it is His way of revealing what really matters.

In our shaky world (pandemics, politics, work stress, family drama – take your pick!) this truth anchors us. We are commanded to pursue peace by forgiving that friend who did us wrong or mending family ties. We are to embrace holiness by ditching habits that pull us from God. And we are to worship Him with awe, knowing His fire purifies us, not punishes us.

The passage ends with this encouragement: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful.” Gratitude is the posture of a steady heart. Even when everything feels uncertain, we can thank God for the things that never change: His love, His promises, and the salvation we have in Christ.

Our God is still a consuming fire. That doesn’t mean He wants to burn out…it means He wants to burn away everything that doesn’t belong. So, when life shakes, let Him refine you. Let Christ be the solid rock we stand upon and remember that all other ground is sinking sand. We are part of a kingdom that cannot be moved.

PRAYER

Father, forgive us for the moments of terror. As real as they seem, we know in our heart of hearts that there is nothing that can Your promises away from us. Thank you for your steadfast love, for being our rock and for your mercy. Amen.

About the Author

MICHAEL GUASTELLA

I have been a Hilliard resident since 2022, and have lived in Columbus about 11 years. I am originally from the Cleveland area. I work in downtown Columbus as a government affairs consultant. My wife, Rachael, and I have been attending UALC since early 2024.