Shaken, Not Stirred

Hebrews 12:18-29

I'm confused. Of course those who know me will say that's nothing new, but what makes this one different is I'm not able to make sense of that which is confusing me. Let me tell you what's confusing me and maybe you'll make better sense of it than me.

Verses 27-28 of today's reading tells us that all things created will be removed from earth and all we'll be left with is things that are not created, for which we should be thankful. If we're to read this at face value we are to accept that God will leave us with nothing and we're to be happy about it. Do you see my confusion?

My confusion is made deeper because of what I've learned about the Hebrew bible and the word "create". According to the books I've read and the people who've taught me about the Hebrew bible the word "create" is only used in conjuncture with God. In other words only God can create - produce something from nothing. That logic leads me to think that everything God has made will be taken away and we'll be left with, well, nothing. See my confusion?

However, I must also remember my New Testament teachings and apply the understanding that the book of Hebrews is written in a Greek-world. The word used in this passage is not defined as create, but rather "make". So, is this passage then talking about things which are made, which is something humankind does?

What we have now is the author of Hebrews telling us that God will once again shake - disturb, topple, agitate - the earth so that the things which are made by humans is removed, and all that will remain is that which is unshakable; that which is not made by humans - that which is made by, or created by, God.

This is beginning to make more sense.

What I read now is that when our world falls apart around us it's through our understanding of God's love through Christ that we will have the things which are truly important to hang on to. It's when we lose our jobs that through Christ we understand we are still alive and help is available through our different communities. It's when someone close to us passes from this earth that through Christ we understand they are in a place where pain and sorrow are no longer a part of them. It's when our closest relationships shatter that through Christ we know there will always be someone who loves us more than any earthly relationship could have.

Things such as a job, house, partners, and material belongings are made by humans. That which is created lives in our hearts, and that thing is unconditional acceptance by God. Everything else created by God or made by humankind becomes that which leads, or tries to lead, to helping us understand that acceptance. The things which are made by humans can eventually crumble, but the things which are created by God will be with us forever.

Okay, maybe I'm not so confused any more.