Do You Belong?

We’ve all seen  it on the news… perhaps some of us have witnessed it in person… to see a fire that has gotten out of control and proceeds to destroy everything around it.  Thousands of acres of forest and thousands of homes in this country are destroyed every year by fire.  And with big fires… when they’re done… there’s nothing left.  Nothing.

            As the Hebrew writer nears the end of his letter, he uses the awesome images of destructive fire to motivate us to be serious and purposeful in our worship of Almighty God.  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)

            The people of God are always receiving His kingdom, a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  Notice the intended responses to come from you and I as we live life in the midst of that receiving.

            Thankfulness.

            Acceptable Worship.

            Reverent Worship.

            Awe-filled Worship.

            Take a moment this morning and reflect on how blessed you are to be receiving this kingdom, and ways that your life could better live out the responses that He intended.  Take a few minutes and reflect on each…. What does it “acceptable” mean?  How can I demonstrate “reverence”?  What does “awe-filled” worship look like?

            It’s important to learn this lesson.  Not just because of the natural benefits, but because of the “consuming fire” that is our God, that one day will destroy everything that does not belong to Him. 

            Do you belong?

            Live out your “belonging”!