David Bahn – Reflections

Hebrews 12:26-29

At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” ²⁷ 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. ²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for ourGod is a consuming fire.

In the aftermath of earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes or floods, those who have been traumatized carry legitimate and life-shaping fears. They don’t trust the currently-standing buildings: they’ve seen those crumble before their very eyes. They don’t have a clear sense of direction: so many landmarks are gone. They are emotionally and socially ravaged as well: they have lost family members and their life story has been rewritten before their very eyes.

In the face of this trauma and distress they need four things*. They need compassion, community, a connecting story, and a compass. Those who have been through the upheaval of any large-scale catastrophe need people who will come along side them and provide comfort, encouragement, love, and sometimes the very simplest of care: food and water, clothing and shelter. They need to tell their story. They need to learn how to get around.

Our nation has been through a cultural earthquake. Family, church, government, the economy have all been shaken violently. As a result there are generations who have no trust in these institutions. They want nothing to do with the church, marriage, a long-term commitment to any employer, or the latest political candidate’s solutions.

It is up to those who call Jesus Lord to supply the compassion, community, connecting story, and moral compass that our world needs; and I believe they are ready for it. And it all starts with community. This is the greatest challenge facing the church today: can we build and provide entry points into authentic experiences of community that provide loving care, an opportunity to be a part of a larger story (the story of God!), and point people toward to true north of that which God says is good?

That it is difficult is no reason to dismiss the dramatic need to respond. This is a critical time for all followers of Jesus (disciples!). We have the goods! We can help. We know true north. We ourselves have been rescued, and we have experienced the profound grace of God in Christ. He is our connecting story. He is our hope, our Rescuer and the center of all true community.

Jesus is the One who will not be shaken. In the throes of ethical, moral, social, economical, cultural and ecclesiastical turmoil only Jesus remains. And his first move is to compassion. Just a few examples of Jesus’ words:

• “Neither do I condem you, go and sin no more”
• “Peace be to you.”
• “I am willing, be healed.”
• “Your sins are forgiven, take up your mat and walk.”

All of these, in the end, are founded on and found in Christ. He is our true north, our connection with God, our source of community, and compassion. And not only does our nation need these four “C’s” but so does your neighbor. For in one way or another your neighbor is suffering from the effects of this upheaval. What a gift you have to give as a follower of Jesus! May God give us strength to give it!

* Thanks to Mike Breen of 3d Ministry for this simple but profound earthquake trauma and needs insight.

Hebrews 12:18-29

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest ¹⁹ and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. ²⁰ For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” ²¹ Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”²² But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, ²³ and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, ²⁴ and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

²⁵ See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. ²⁶ At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” ²⁷ 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. ²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for ourGod is a consuming fire.