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
It started with my in-laws. We flew them to Florida to celebrate one of those days that ends with a zero. You know the ones I’m talking about. Birthday celebrating 90 years. Married 50 years. And since they were sure to need some help, I decided to do the unusual. Which, if you know me, isn’t all that unusual.
Before leaving for the airport, I checked that their flight had taken off. Arriving way early at the airport, which isn’t at all unusual for me, I headed over to the airline ticket counter. Presenting my valid government photo ID to a happy and helpful employee, I told them my in-laws name and arriving flight. I explained why they’d need help once they got off the plane and I’d like their permission to do just that.
They clicked away into their computer for a minute and then handed me something that looked a whole lot like a boarding pass. But this was different. It’s called a gate pass[1],and it lets me go through security so I could help them. Thanking them, I went on my way.
After the “happy” experience of airport security, I bought a cup of coffee and some bottled water. Eventually, I sat down by the gate where my in-laws were scheduled to land. Every once in a while, I checked the screen to make sure that their gate hadn’t changed.
Before their arrival, a gate agent came and started to get things ready. Because I’m just too intense for words, I had to ask if this was the right place and time for the flight. It didn’t matter that all the screens in the airport said that this was the right time and place. With that smile that says, “I understand,” they confirmed that this was the right arrival gate.
Not long afterwards, a plane pulled up to the gate. As they walked into the terminal, I welcomed them to Florida with a hug and some water. Since they only had one small carryon bag, we headed to the car for the drive home.
This has become my standard way of picking up people at the airport. I usually don’t tell them that I’m going to be there when they walk off the plane. You should see the looks of happy surprise when they see me. This is quickly followed by, “So, how did you get out here and through security?”
But this whole thing starts when I know that the plane has left the departing airport. It doesn’t matter what the schedule says or what’s on their itinerary. It’s useless to go to the airport and through all this trouble if the plane is sitting on the ground somewhere else. You have to know that they’ve taken off.
This is what the writer is telling the Hebrews about God’s kingdom and their arrival in it. It’s more than just scheduled. The kingdom of God isn’t just some made-up idea that leaked out of someone’s head. It’s not a pretend fairyland that someone dreamed up to sell books on Amazon.
Not on your life. The kingdom of God is as real as it gets. But there’s something more. Something better. God’s kingdom isn’t sitting still somewhere over the rainbow. It’s getting closer and closer. Every day, every hour, it’s presently and actively getting nearer and nearer.
Right where they are, they’re receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Their lives might be falling apart. Prosperity, property, and possessions might be taken away. Loved ones could have died in their arms. Humanly speaking, there’s no hope. But that’s not the end of their story.
Why? Not because they’re strong. Not because they think that things will somehow just work out in the end. Or that they refuse to see the truth that life has no meaning and that we’re just a bunch of accidents waiting to die and go into eternal nothingness.
The Hebrews can endure all that they’re going through and more because of who God is and his promised kingdom. And that kingdom is on its way. It’s getting closer and closer. Nothing can stand in its way. Nothing’s going to stop it. We can bet our whole lives on it. Both today and for all eternity.
What’s true for these Hebrews who lived long ago is also true for you and me. Right here and now. Whatever you’re going through, there’s God’s promise that his kingdom isn’t just out there somewhere. It’s real and it’s coming. But there’s something even better and more encouraging than that.
God’s kingdom is going to arrive on time. It’s not going to be late. We might want it earlier, but that’s not God’s plan or perfect timing. We have his guarantee that it’s going to be right on time[2]. Our job is to remain faithful while we wait for his arrival. Pointing people to the one who loves us. Died for us. And he’s coming again for us. Now that’s going to be some arrival.
Noodling Questions
What’s the nicest welcome that you’ve ever received?
Why are arrivals so important? How can they change everything?
Since God is never late, who knows the best time for something to happen?
[2] Habakkuk 2:3
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