DECEMBER 19 – Reading 353

by Chris Rainey | December 19

“HUMAN STRUCTURES”
(Hebrews 10:1 – 13:25)

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. – Hebrews 12:27

“And this is the point: it is not the earthquake that claims victims, but the collapse of human-built structures: buildings, bridges, retaining walls, embankments, and so on.” – Colin Captain

According to the Earthquake Tracker,, New Jersey has had 10 earthquakes in the past year. None of them have been major earthquakes, but a few have been significant enough to feel the quaking. Earthquakes are scary, and the thing that I notice is that people run out of their homes when they feel an earthquake because the most unsafe place to be during an earthquake is inside of or near human structures. Human structures can collapse and kill people.

The end of chapter 12 describes the descent of God to Mount Sinai when He delivered the Law to Moses in an earthquake and fire, which was a terrifying experience for those who were there. It brought so much fear and trepidation that even Moses confessed that he was trembling (12:21). But the writer of Hebrews says to the Christian believers that this is not our mountain. Mount Sinai is the mountain of law and bondage and fear, but our mountain is Mt. Zion, the mountain of gospel freedom that will come down from heaven in Revelation 21:2 (cf. Gal. 4:21-26).

Some variation on the word “shaken” is used four times in the final four verses of chapter 12. Yes, things in our world will be shaken and tested.  This shaking will eliminate the human structures people rely on. What will remain are the solid materials of God’s kingdom. The passage closes with a call for us to worship with “reverence and awe” because “God is a consuming fire.” Like God, a fire demands our reverence because while it is approachable for warmth, yet we cannot get too close or it will harm us. It is time for us to set aside our human structures and build out with solid materials of reverence for God.

Application:
What human structures or interventions do you rely on to survive in this world? The gospel is the only foundation that can stand the shaking that we will experience in life.

Reflection:
The mountain references suggest that Mount Sinai legalism is another form of a human structure that we attempt to rely on in our relationship with God, rather than Mount Zion gospel faith. Adding to the gospel is a human structure that cannot stand.

Closing Prayer:
Lord, we confess we often build on shaky human foundations. Thank you for the unshakable Kingdom in Christ. Help us abandon the legalism and fear of Mount Sinai for the solid ground of grace on Mount Zion. May we worship You, our consuming fire and sure foundation, with reverence. Amen.