It’s been a tough few weeks for all things Swiss. First, it was Toblerone. The iconic Swiss chocolate bar is no longer Swiss enough. It’s now mainly manufactured in other countries. The words “made in Switzerland” and the image of the Matterhorn will no longer appear on the packaging, in accordance with “Swissness” legislation. There are strict regulations for Swiss-made products that aim to protect the “Swiss” brand. A lot of people are mourning the loss.
That “Swiss” brand took another hit this weekend when Credit Suisse became the latest bank to fold. After a tense couple of days, it emerged that the bank, founded in 1856, will be taken over by its competitor, UBS. It’s left the Swiss sense of competence and stability somewhat shaken.
It’s a reminder that things are not always as they seem. What we think is solid or permanent doesn’t always turn out to be. After 75 years of peace, no one expected war in Europe again. After the meltdown in 2008, we thought the problems with the banking system were behind us. While we had been warned about a pandemic for years, it seems like no one was really prepared for one. The fallout from the last three years has shaken our confidence in many of our essential systems and services.
There are some things that cannot be shaken and will remain forever. The kingdom of God is one of those unshakeable things. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28) The stuff we really can’t depend on will be shaken away but God’s kingdom, his presence and his promises remain. The world around us is always changing and we find that troubling.
When we focus on his unshakeable kingdom we are simply filled with awe. I’m grateful I can trust something that is stable.