This verse is part of the larger context of the book of Hebrews, which is a letter written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and struggling to hold onto their faith. The author of Hebrews encourages them to persevere in their faith by reminding them of the superiority of Jesus Christ and the benefits of being a part of his kingdom.
In this verse, the author highlights two important aspects of the Christian life: gratitude and worship. The first part of the verse emphasizes the gratitude that Christians should have for the kingdom they are receiving. This is not a reference to a physical kingdom on earth, but rather to the spiritual reality of being part of God's kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ. This kingdom is described as unshakable, meaning that it is secure and enduring. It is not subject to the instability and uncertainty of the world around us. The fact that we are part of this kingdom is a cause for great thankfulness.
The second part of the verse focuses on the importance of worship. The author emphasizes that we should worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. This means that our worship should be characterized by a deep respect for God and a recognition of his greatness and holiness. We should approach God with a sense of awe and wonder, recognizing that he is the creator and sustainer of all things. Our worship should also be acceptable to God, meaning that it is in line with his character and will.
Taken together, these two aspects of the Christian life - gratitude and worship - are closely connected. When we recognize the great gift of being part of God's kingdom, it should naturally lead us to a posture of gratitude and thankfulness. And when we approach God in worship with reverence and awe, it helps to cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility.
This verse also has important implications for how we live our lives as Christians. If we truly believe that we are part of an unshakable kingdom, then we should be able to live with a sense of peace and security, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We should be able to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, knowing that he is in control and that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
At the same time, our gratitude for being part of God's kingdom should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to him. Our worship should not be confined to a Sunday morning church service, but should encompass every aspect of our lives. We should seek to live in a way that honors God and reflects the values of his kingdom - values like love, justice, mercy, and compassion.
In conclusion, Hebrews 12:28 reminds us of the great gift that we have in being part of God's unshakable kingdom. It calls us to respond with gratitude and worship, and to live lives that are pleasing to God. When we do this, we can experience the peace, security, and joy that comes from being in a right relationship with our Creator and King.
See also: vs 25-26
Hebrews 12:28. Receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe.